UW–Madison Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement

In 1984, visionary leader Dr. Mercile J. Lee founded the Chancellor’s and Powers-Knapp Scholars programs, two merit based scholarship programs to open the doors of higher education for underrepresented students. Renamed the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program in honor of Dr. Lee, the scholarships have been helping academically talented and outstanding young people further develop their intellectual gifts, abilities, skills, and potential for 40 years. Over the last five years, the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program has a graduation rate of 92%, three percentage points higher than UW–Madison’s graduation rate of 89%. Learn more about the program’s impact in this 40-year anniversary article: https://lnkd.in/g6kB3BRE #ChampioningExcellence #UWDDEEA #InclusiveExcellence

The Student Support Services and Student Support Services-STEM programs within CeO support about 500 eligible students each year. Funded by Department of Education grants, CeO ensures equal access and opportunity, supports social-economic mobility, improves financial literacy, and fosters a supportive institutional climate. #DDEEA15 #ChampioningExcellence #UWDDEEA #InclusiveExcellence

The High Impact Practices (HIPS) portfolio at the DDEEA is home to various experiential learning initiatives including study abroad. Through its HIPS initiatives, the DDEEA has supported more than 1,200 students studying abroad! In 2023 an Open Doors Report ranked the University of Wisconsin–Madison 12th among all U.S. universities for total study abroad participation, and the DDEEA has played an important role in that participation. UW-Madison International Division #DDEEA15 #ChampioningExcellence #UWDDEEA #InclusiveExcellence

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program prepares undergraduate students to pursue a PhD. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program has supported 28 eligible students each of the past 28 years. #DDEEA15 #ChampioningExcellence #UWDDEEA #InclusiveExcellence

Celebrate four incredible honorees at this year’s Outstanding Women of Color Awards! Join us for the 17th annual awards reception on Tuesday, February 25, from 5-7:30 p.m. at Union South. Register to attend: https://lnkd.in/gkSii7Hr Congratulations again to all the winners! Hope Broadus, JD – Chief Human Resources Officer, UW School of Medicine and Public Health Jeneile Luebke, PhD – Assistant Professor, UW–Madison School of Nursing Catherine H. Phan – Digital and Media Archivist, Libraries Kao Lee Yang – PhD Candidate, Neuroscience and Public Policy Program #OWOC #UWDDEEA #InclusiveExcellence

What an unforgettable experience at the 2025 MLK Symposium! Donzaleigh Abernathy transported us through time and inspired us all with powerful and poignant stories of her godfather, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and her father, Rev. Dr. Ralph Abernathy. Her stories of the extraordinary lives and incredible work advancing civil rights resonated deeply and reminded us about the profound legacy of Dr. King. A heartfelt thank you to Donzaleigh Abernathy and to all who attended in person and virtually! Let's carry forward Dr. King’s message of hope and justice in our own communities. #MLKSymposium #MLK #InclusiveExcellence #UWDDEEA

Today, PEOPLE is a premier college access and support program serving students from Madison and Milwaukee school districts for more than 25 years. It all started in Milwaukee in 1999 when 66 students made up the inaugural class. Over a thousand scholars have graduated from UW–Madison through the PEOPLE program so far. Read the story to learn how PEOPLE makes an impact on campus and beyond: https://lnkd.in/eTZiTbMw #DDEEA15 #ChampioningExcellence #UWDDEEA #InclusiveExcellence

We invite you to join us in celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at the 2025 MLK Symposium and community reception on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. This year’s keynote speaker will be actress, author, and activist Donzaleigh Abernathy.

For 39 years, Women In Focus, Inc., Inc. has proudly hosted the annual “I have a Dream” Scholarship Ball, celebrating the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This remarkable event aims to erase barriers to education for students of color. Over the years, Women In Focus has awarded more than $800,000 in scholarships, empowering countless dreams and futures. As a sponsor of this year’s event, the DDEEA continues to be a dedicated partner and supporter of Women in Focus. We are so proud to support this initiative. Dr. Catherine Chan, our assistant vice provost for High Impact Practices, was honored to represent the Division at this year’s event. #InclusiveExcellence #UWDDEEA

Congratulations to Torsheika Maddox, Ph.D., our senior operations officer and chief of staff at the DDEEA. She was recently named one of Wisconsin’s 40 Most Influential Black Leaders for 2024 by Madison365! For over 18 years, Dr. Maddox has been a tireless champion for access, empowerment, and inclusive excellence at the DDEEA and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing our community has made a profound impact, and this recognition is a testament to her incredible leadership and influence. Read more about Dr. Maddox and other outstanding UW–Madison affiliated honorees: https://lnkd.in/gVvm4Pi5 We are truly grateful to have such an inspiring leader in our division. Congratulations, Dr. Maddox—your work continues to uplift and empower us all! #InclusiveExcellence #UWDDEEA