We cannot tell a storyof diversity in community if we do not have it. We cannot tell a storyof quality if we are not absolutely convinced it is true. She leans in. This is not about power. It is not about authority. It is not about diminishment of being responsive to community where and how it is. It is about knowing and managing excellence. We owe that to our young people. We owe it to our university. We owe it to our people.
The President and Provost are silent.
Finally, the President responds. I admit I was not happy when you started to talk. This is not our culture here. We are a rural state, a proud state. This is not Tampa. People value their independence and the unique nature of their families, communities, and environment. They are not upset about being two hours away from anyone. Hell, sorryma’am, they are actuallyhappy about it. But, I understandyour argument and I believe what you said about this university is true and needs to be more true over time. So, I am in favor of what you want to try. However, and it is a big “however,” you are going to have to do this with great respect for that independence and that pride.
And let me say this and let me be clear. This had better not end up in my lap. If it does, you’re fired.
Next Steps
Back in the ExtensionDirector’s office, Bev talks about the strategy for implementation of her plans and model. I hear him, she says, I understand. I know how to do this. I know how to thread the needle. And I will. She calls a meeting for a week hence of all 4-H county educators. In personat the home campus. Such a meeting has not been called in at least five years. The rumor mills run overtime. In the interim, Bev reaches out to the local chapter of the UnidosUS, formerly LaRaza, and toher former head of diversity in Tampa to talk. Fifty 4-H county educators and her four staff (now Regional Coordinators) are in the main 400-seat lecture amphitheater. Bev is at the podium with her presentationprojected on the huge screenbehind her. After going over the problems and the three objectives for improvement – information in, information out, quality – she explains the changes.
She then officially names her four programspecialists as the four Regional Coordinators.
And now for something very important, she says. I want to introduce you to someone who will be helping us. We all know that diversity and inclusion require understanding of cultures, networks and communities. I amproud to announce that as of Monday, CarmenMorantewill be joining us as the state 4-H Director of Diversity. Carmenplease join me here at the podium. Carmenhas many years of community organizing around the nation, most recentlyhere in our own capital. She will be your right hand, helping you to develop diversity and inclusions plans for every county, rolled up to a clear and measurable plan for the region and the state. Bienvenida, Carmen!
Now, Bev says, questions?
Silence.
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