National Council for Research on Women Sponsors Summit on “The Role of Leadership in Fostering and Sustaining Diversity in Institutions of Higher Education”

Oakland, CA - Janet L. Holmgren, president of Mills College, will provide the welcome and introductory remarks, and moderate the opening plenary at a major summit on “The Role of Leadership in Fostering and Sustaining Diversity in Institutions of Higher Education.” To be held in New York City from June 22–24, 2006, the summit is sponsored by the National Council for Research on Women (NCRW).

The opening plenary moderated by President Holmgren will examine “Acting on the Commitment: What is the Continuing Case for Diversity in Higher Education and Where are the Current Challenges?” Seasoned leaders of diversity efforts will reflect on their successes and challenges in stewarding diversity on their campuses, particularly in the current political and economic climate.

According to NCRW, fostering gender and racial diversity in academic institutions is integral to creating a vibrant, democratically plural society. Summit participants will explore the lack of women, and women and men of color in leadership positions throughout academia, also prevalent in business, government, and non-profit sectors.

New definitions of diversity will also be examined in light of recent changes in areas such as U.S. immigration and demographics.  Attendees will consider issues such as how to measure adequate diversity among faculty, students, administrators, staff, and within curriculum and student life.

A nationally recognized leader in higher education for more than 30 years, Holmgren has been president of Mills since 1991. She came to Mills as one of the highest-ranking female administrators at Princeton University where she was Vice Provost from 1988 to 1991. Instrumental in shaping the national agenda for women and higher education through her leadership roles with Mills and prominent boards, President Holmgren is past chair of the Board of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and current chair of the Board of the National Council for Research on Women.

Mills College is a nationally renowned, independent liberal arts college offering innovative degree programs for undergraduate women, and graduate degree and certificate programs for women and men. Consistently ranked among the top 75 liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Mills is also recognized as one of the country’s 20 most diverse liberal arts colleges. The Princeton Review selected Mills as one of 11 colleges for first-time inclusion in its Best 361 Colleges in 2005. Nestled in the foothills of Oakland, California on 135 lush acres, Mills provides a dynamic liberal arts education fostering women’s leadership, social responsibility, and creativity.

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