Western has never before enjoyed such a diverse student body. In 1990, just 755 students of color, or less than 8 percent, attended WWU. By last year, that number had more than doubled to 2,259 students of color, or nearly 17% of the student body. That's not just due to changing demographics: It is the result of thoughtful and committed outreach to prospective students, as well as a welcoming campus community.
The 2008 recipient of the Diversity Achievement Award is the Admissions Office. The award includes a $1,500 stipend to use for research, teaching and equipment and supplies or professional enhancement.
Karen Copetas, director of admissions and enrollment planning since 1990, says "Western's success in attracting a more diverse applicant pool parallels the University's growing reputation for academic excellence."
Western was the first public university in the state to consider factors beyond GPA and test scores in the admissions process. "It is so gratifying to recognize that this commitment to diversity and inclusion has contributed to a more academically prepared student body," says Copetas.
Progressive admissions policy combined with highly effective recruitment efforts have contributed to Western's rating by US News & World Report as the top public master's-granting university in the Pacific Northwest, and second in the entire western United States for eleven straight years.
Copetas says the outreach efforts are strategic as well as sincere. "In addition to recruiting a high quality and diverse incoming class, our goal is to make certain that Western graduates have the foundation to excel and to lead in an increasingly multicultural community."
Commitment to diversity extends beyond students, as former admissions staff include Western's Dean of Students Ted Pratt; Tom Nerini, the director of Student Outreach Services; and Jesse Moore, now with the Obama for America campaign. All three are former recipients of this award.
The Diversity Achievement Award is made possible by the Western Washington University Foundation. The University President selects the recipient of the award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to enhancing multiculturalism on campus and beyond. These contributions include research, programming, leadership, teaching and service to students and the community.