Vice President for DEI recognized at 2024 Diamond Awards

1月27日, 艾弗里Staley, LR’s inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) appeared among the recipients of the eighth annual Diamond Awards, a who’s who of leaders who champion DEI causes around the nation. Staley received a Diamond Award for Lifetime Achievement in DEI, based on his work at Lenoir-Rhyne and with North Carolina’s state government.

“I am very humbled to receive this honor,” said Staley. “I work with some amazing people who also deserve credit for making this happen. While we don’t execute this work for self-gratification, it’s nice to know that people recognize and appreciate our efforts.”

The Diamond Awards Ceremony, held in the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, was presented by the Not Alone Foundation – a non-profit that provides education, resources and support for patients of chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

Staley had no working experience with the Not Alone Foundation before his selection to receive a Diamond Award, 但他赞扬了基金会的使命. 

“I think the Not Alone Foundation’s work is critical in addressing the needs of persons with chronic kidney disease and has impacted many who suffer from its challenges. The foundation also serves as a resource to assist with challenges for patients and their families dealing with End Stage Renal Disease,他说. 

Other notable honorees included actors Phylicia Rashad and Glynn Turman, civil rights activist Xernona Clayton and a distinguished list of names from higher education, 企业领导, 精神的领导, philanthropy and first response team members. 杰出的演讲者包括参议员. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, actress Paula Patton and Lenoir-Rhyne president 弗雷德K. ?威特艾德.D., who presented the award to Staley during the ceremony.

“在勒努瓦-雷恩的那两年里, Avery has helped build a program we are incredibly proud of, that ensures a welcoming and engaging climate for all,惠特说。. “He has started a DEI Council focused on policies and training and the 包容 Champions program that has student, 教职员工 volunteers from every division on campus. He started the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Prayer Breakfast, which welcomed 300 people last month.”

Staley’s other duties at Lenoir-Rhyne include overseeing human resources, 第九条, 残疾人服务, and multicultural affairs – a university office that upholds DEI practices in student services, employment practices and daily operations.

“每天都是这样, I help provide leadership at Lenoir Rhyne University to our students, 教职员工, 这样全球网赌十大网站才能提供一流的教育,斯特利分享道.  “We are committed to recruiting students from all backgrounds, and sustaining a campus where they can grow, 发展和毕业, to become productive and impactful citizens in their chosen fields.”

The Diamond Award is the most recent in a career record studded with honors for Staley. After graduating from West Charlotte High School, he completed his bachelor’s degree at North Carolina Central University, where he was elected class president and received the award for outstanding student leadership in his first year and served as vice president of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. 在完成J的时候.D. 在佛蒙特法学院, he received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, was awarded the NAACP Legal Defense Fund 奖学金 and appeared in “Who’s Who in American Law 学生 2005”.

Whitt’s remarks also referenced Staley’s long record in government and politics, starting with his first job out of college as a juvenile counselor with the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. 完成学业后.A. at Winthrop University in liberal arts, Staley served as campaign manager for former U.S. 代表. 北卡罗来纳州的梅尔·瓦特 国会第十二选区. 

In 2008, Staley served as senior advisor and special counsel to former North Carolina Lieutenant Gov. 沃尔特·道尔顿. 2022年，政府. Roy Cooper appointed Staley to the North Carolina Internship Council. 在本地, Staley serves on the Catawba County Commission on Equity in 健康 as well as the boards of the United Way of Catawba County and the Western Piedmont Symphony.

“I have always been driven to serve,” said Staley. “是否做志愿者, 在董事会任职, 或者只是分享建议或经验, I’ve had a lifelong commitment to helping others. I am a strong believer that you cannot teach passion, 我以咒语为生, 永远不要因为不努力而失败.’”