National University System’s Office of Social Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to be recognized at the NSDC NAACP Annual Blue and Gold Freedom Fund Awards Gala
San Diego, CA – October 3, 2022 – The North San Diego County (NSDC) branch of the NAACP in celebration of its 55th Annual Blue & Gold Freedom Fund Awards Dinner is awarding the National University System’s Office of Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (S-JEDI) with the NSDC NAACP Education Advocacy Award on October 1, 2022 for its outstanding efforts in supporting underrepresented members of the community by increasing access and empowering the underserved through certificate and degree programs that improve their life chances and quality of life.
“We are pleased to support one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the county with the goal of serving and positively impacting the communities that many of our students and our employees come from,” said Dr. Thomas Stewart, Vice Chancellor of S-JEDI at National University System (NUS). “To partner with a national organization like the NAACP and know that we are creating a multiplier effect is very exciting for us as a higher education nonprofit institution.”
The NAACP Education Advocacy award is presented to individuals or organizations dedicated to representing underserved demographics and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in content as well as providing information to empower members of these communities. It is also awarded to groups or persons performing activities that address education disparities and discriminatory practices in public or private education which align with the mission of the NAACP.
The NUS Office of S-JEDI was established to further incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the National University System. NUS views accessible, affordable, and quality higher education options for people everywhere as a social justice issue. The board of trustees, to ensure the longevity of these initiatives for the student population, faculty, and staff, founded the Office of S-JEDI to become a permanent part of NUS. Since its conception, the team, headed by Dr. Stewart has relentlessly strived to increase equity and inclusion to meet the unique needs of each member of NUS, and the community.
“We are truly humbled by this award, National University is dedicated to increasing access to underrepresented members of the African American community and underserved communities in general and creating more affordable opportunities for anyone who wants to continue their education,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, Chancellor of the National University System.
In high congratulatory spirits, The S-JEDI office of NUS would also like to recognize Jessica Gladney, Workforce Education SolutionsDirector of Field Outreach Team & K-12 Educationfor facilitating the initial introduction between NUS and the NSDC NAACP. Ms. Gladney’s outstanding performance and perseverance created the opportunity for this collaboration and well-earned achievement.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders, and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice.
About National University: National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of hard-working adults by providing accessible, affordable, achievable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 75 online and on-campus programs and flexible four-week classes designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to over 30,000 students and 190,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. National University’s merge with Northcentral University will be complete in November 2022, growing the institution by over 10,000 students and 80 graduate and doctoral programs. Learn more at NU.edu. The National University System’s education-focused initiatives include Workforce Education Solutions, Harmony SEL, Inspire Teaching & Learning, and Fundraising Academy Cause Selling Education. Learn more at nusystem.org.