Awards

uzel receives diversity award

Ray Ali, associate director of field operations for Virginia Cooperative Extension, presents the 2008 College Diversity Enhancement Award to David Winston, Extension dairy scientist.

2008 College Diversity Enhancement Award to David Winston

David Winston, Extension dairy scientist, was honored with the 2008 College Diversity Enhancement Award in recognition of outstanding contributions and demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity in the college.

Winston was among the first to be selected as a Multicultural Fellow at the university, who form a group that is charged “with developing strategies to address problems and situations that impede progress towards the goal of a truly inclusive community.” Winston has served as the college’s first Diversity Council Chair and led the council from its infancy to a viable, active organization with growing membership. He has demonstrated an exhaustive understanding and tireless promotion of diversity in all his roles and also represents the college’s council at the university level.

Additionally, he is a Faculty Association representative and has made rich contributions to the university’s strategic plans as well as to the college’s faculty reporting system to capture individual diversity efforts.

His commitment to diversity is further evidenced by his interactions with and educational programs for students and youth. He serves as a mentor for dairy science students; advises the Virginia Tech Dairy Club; and serves as adviser to the college’s Student Leadership and coach of the winning 4-H quiz bowl team, efforts which have been recognized with various awards. One nominator offers that “it is imperative that the leaders working with youth are all as committed to diversity issues as is Mr. Winston, [and] his greatest impact will be at this level of education.”

David Winston truly exemplifies the spirit of diversity and inclusive excellence, which the college embraces at all levels of the organization.

More information about the award criteria and deadlines can be found at College Diversity Enhancement Award.