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The Indiana Daily Student

Education Dean awarded for support of diversity

The first Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Gerardo Gonzalez, dean of the IU School of Education, by the IU Latino Faculty and Staff Council on Friday.

IU President Michael McRobbie said in a University press release that Gonzalez has been an advocate for education of underrepresented groups and ?diversity among students.

During his time at IU, Gonzalez spearheaded the P-16 Research and Collaboration, according to ?the release.

The program connects the IU School of Education with other schools and districts statewide to collaborate on initiatives involving subjects such as teaching content and access ?to college.

Gonzalez also led the School of Education to develop an online doctorate program, according to ?the release.

In 2003, the Council presented Gonzalez with its Service Award to recognize his work and support of equal access to education for underrepresented groups.

McRobbie said in the release that Gonzalez is the first Latino to serve as an academic dean at IU and, because of this, sets an example of what students from all backgrounds ?can achieve.

Lillian Casillas, director of La Casa Latino Cultural Center, said in the release that Gonzalez has supported the center since the beginning of his IU career.

“Not only has he been a supporter of some our programs, but he has been one of our biggest advocates in creating a campus environment that supports Latino students, faculty and staff among other groups,” ?she said.

Gonzalez has advocated for diversity and education for underrepresented groups on the national level as well and was named one of Hispanic Business’ 50 most influential Hispanics in the United States ?in 2012.

Most recently, various media outlets, such as CNN Español and Radio Marti, have recognized him for his column in the Huffington Post in January regarding changing relations between the United States and Cuba.

Gonzalez will retire from his administrative role at the University on June 30 after a 15-year career with the IU School ?of Education.

“Gerardo’s leadership has helped to sustain the excellence of IU’s School of Education for 15 years,” McRobbie said in ?the release.

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