Vaughn White, recently received the highest honor given by the University System of Maryland: the Regents Faculty and Staff Award for Excellence for outstanding service to students in an academic or residential environment, exempt staff. As Director of MultiCultural and International Student Services at SU, White has helped provide a welcoming environment for ethnically diverse students for the past 15 years, leading to higher retention and graduation rates.

“Vaughn understands well the challenges faced by students of color who choose to enroll in a predominately white university,” Dr. Dudley-Eshbach, president of the university, said. “For these students, many of whom have come from schools where students of color are the majority, this is their first time away from home and in an environment that differs markedly from their prior experience. Vaughn brings sensitivity and skillful programming designed to promote a level of comfort among both students and their families.”

White’s efforts begin before the students even reach SU. Through the Pre-Matriculation Program, students and their families are invited to campus for a weekend of activities prior to the start of the school year. MOSAIC, SU’s new student orientation cultural diversity program, introduces students to the special challenges of college life and existing resources. The Comprehensive Academic Support System provides checkpoints throughout each student’s freshman year to identify any difficulties new students of color may experience.

“Vaughn is an excellent mentor to students,” said Dr. Carol Williamson, vice president of student affairs at SU. “He understands their developmental challenges and the issues of excelling in a majority white institution. Consequently, he knows the importance of all students developing an appreciation for the lives they will definitely live together in the 21st century. He is a knowledgeable and creative staff member who gives unlimited days and nights to assist the University in achieving its mission and our students in realizing their dreams.”

Contact:

Guerrieri University Center Room 240
Phone:(410) 548-4503
Fax:(410) 677-5340
Email:VPWHITE@salisbury.edu