Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will host the 6^th annual Discover Diversity Leadership Conference on campus this weekend, Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24, offering minority high school students a look at scholarship opportunities, college preparation and career choices along with academic fairs, speakers and fun activities.

     Discover Diversity is open to African-American, Hispanic American, Native American and Asian American students from throughout the Mississippi Delta region who meet certain GPA requirements and participate in leadership activities in their school or community.

     This year, approximately 150 students have been invited to attend the leadership conference entitled, “Discover Diversity Through You.”

     “This is a dynamic weekend for students. Discover Diversity will expose these high school seniors to college life, career planning, and so much more. They will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with faculty, staff, alumni and students,” said Candice Seward, assistant director of admissions and coordinator of minority recruitment.

     “Students who met the criteria were given an invitation by their school counselors, as space was limited,” said Seward.

      Discover Diversity begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 23, with a check in, welcome reception and luncheon at the Fowler Center. This will be followed by an ACT workshop for high school juniors and other activities for high school seniors. The afternoon will include various campus tours.

      Friday evening will feature an awards ceremony and banquet in the center court area of the new Student Union with Dr. Veda Pendleton McClain as the guest speaker.  Dr. McClain, a native of Pine Bluff, holds an undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in reading education.

       In addition to a teaching career with the Little Rock Public Schools and the University of Central Arkansas at Conway, Dr. McClain served as a deputy director for a presidential campaign. She currently is the department chair in teacher education at ASU. She also serves on several boards and committees and is involved in the community. In 2002, she received the “You Made a Difference Advisor Award” for advising students.

      The Saturday activities for Discover Diversity will include a breakfast, workshops and sessions, followed by a luncheon in the new 92,000-sq.-ft. Student Union located in the heart of the ASU campus. Tours will complete the afternoon session for Saturday.

      For more information about Discover Diversity, please contact Candice Seward at 870-972-3024 or via email at cseward@astate.edu. 

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