Northern Illinois University

Presidential Commission on the Status of Minorities

Deacon Davis Collage

Deacon Davis Diversity Award

The Presidential Commission on the Status of Minorities is proud to announce the creation of the Deacon Davis Diversity Award.

The purpose of this award is to recognize significant contributions made to the improvement of the status of minorities on the NIU campus by current NIU undergraduate, graduate, or professional students; faculty; SPS or Civil Service staff; and academic units, offices, programs or organizations.

Awards will be presented at the PSCM Diversity and Inclusion Summit.

Previous Award Recipients

2012

  • Suzanne Coffield, English Department
  • Ellen Franklin, English Department
  • Wesley Coats (ret.), Procurement Services

2011

  • Ron Carter,  School of Music
  • Murali Krishnamurthi, Faculty Development & Instructional Design
  • Edgar Ramirez, NIU Undergraduate Student


2010

  • Don Bramlett, Director of the Office of Retention Services
  • Lt. Darren Mitchell, Department of Public Safety
  • Derrick Smith, Academic counselor for the Center for Black Studies

2009

  • Dr. Joy Mutinda, Psychologist
  • Robert Collins, Deputy Director of Athletics
  • Andres Giraldo, NIU Undergraduate Student


2007

  • Dean Promod Vohra, College of Engineering & Engineering Technology
  • Drs. Luis & Clersida Garcia, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education
  • Minority Science Association

2006

  • Dr. Admasu Zike, Executive Assistant in Human Resource Administration
  • Chief Donald Grady, Department of Public Safety
  • Glenda Jones, Specialist in the Bursar’s Office

2005

  • James Brunson, Assistant Director of Housing
  • The entire Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center
  • LaMetra Curry, NIU Doctoral Student

2004

  • LeRoy Mitchell, Director of Educational Services and Programs/CHANCE Program
  • Monique Bernoudy, Associate Athletics Director
  • Michael Kirkwood, NIU Law Student

2013 Award Nominations