Forbes to expand diversity efforts in new leadership roles at MSU
Contact: Sasha Steinberg
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擜 Mississippi State staff member with a longstanding commitment of fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community has been named her alma mater鈥檚 Interim Assistant Vice President of Multicultural Affairs.
Ra鈥橲heda Forbes, who has served the past two years as the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center鈥檚 associate director, also is now its permanent leader.
鈥淢y goal is to continue to enhance the infusion of diversity into the intricacies of the university鈥檚 mission and vision,鈥 Forbes said.聽鈥淭he Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion will be launching some new initiatives that will聽holistically impact and聽advance聽diversity efforts聽across the institution. I鈥檓 really excited about the opportunities ahead.鈥
Originally from Meridian, Forbes holds a bachelor鈥檚 in biological science and master of public policy and administration from MSU. Becoming a university staff member in 2008, she brought community engagement experience from her work as outreach director and youth camp administrator for the World of Faith Christian Center in Starkville.
Over the years, Forbes has worked her way up the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center ranks, serving as administrative assistant, assistant director and associate director.
In both of her new roles at the university, Forbes will continue providing individual mentorship to minority students and international students seeking personal, social and intellectual support. She also will counsel student groups working to enhance a diverse campus environment that promotes academic and social success.
熟女少妇Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Young Hyatt commended Forbes鈥 commitment to enhancing Mississippi State鈥檚 reputation as a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
鈥淭he efforts that Ra鈥橲heda is leading in the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion are directly related to student success and faculty/staff recruitment and retention, both important goals for the university,鈥 Hyatt said.
鈥淩a鈥橲heda鈥檚 past experiences and ability to provide vision for the future of diversity and inclusion work make her a tremendous asset to our team,鈥 Hyatt added.
Additionally, Forbes will represent the interests of minority and international students through her continued service to a variety of university committees, including the Safe Zone Advisory Board, a campus-wide program that promotes a welcoming and safe community for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff.
Forbes said she also is excited to continue lending her leadership vision as adviser for the business-oriented campus organization, Intelligent Dignified Elegant Ambitious Leaders (I.D.E.A.L. Woman). Founded by Forbes in 2009, the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center-sponsored program helps young women achieve personal and professional growth through networking with positive role models.
Among her other duties, Forbes will maintain her role as adviser for the Black Student Association, Black Voices Gospel Choir, as well as the Peers Assisting with Students, or PAWS Program. Designed to foster student engagement and development, the peer counseling initiative provides tutorial and counseling assistance for freshman minority and international students.
Since arriving at MSU, Forbes鈥 contributions have earned her numerous honors, including the prestigious Zacharias Distinguished Staff Award that she received this past spring. Her other recognitions include Day One Leadership Program Mentor, Outstanding African American Female in the Workplace by the campus chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Legend of 熟女少妇.
For more information on MSU鈥檚 Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, visit ; Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at .
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