DRC assistant director awarded Chancellor’s Medallion
After dedicating 32 years to Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), Assistant Director of the Disabilities Resource Center (DCR) Barbara Collins became the 2022 recipient of the Chancellor’s Medallion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
This medallion is awarded once a year to a full or part-time staff or faculty member at each institution of the Texas A&M University system. The award recognizes and honors people who have demonstrated high levels of engagement in activities, which promote a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion at their university and in the higher education community.
“Barbara’s various leadership roles actively championed the commitment to promote inclusivity and increase diversity awareness in the classroom, workplace and among the Javelina family,” Director of Student Health and Wellness Jo Elda Castillo-Alaniz said. “She unequivocally deserves to be recognized for a lifetime of achievements and dedication to making a difference for underrepresented individuals.”
As the co-chair of the Black Heritage Committee for more than five years, Collins began her journey of creating a culture in which individuals can come together to connect with each other, learn about black history and feel a sense of belonging and acceptance from the community. She developed unique workshops and events that included the TAMUK and the City of Kingsville communities.
Her passion and commitment to making a difference also led her to become the 2000-2003 advisor to the Black Student Union organization. During this time, Collins became a mentor to the students of color as a Javelina alumnus and a former Javelina athlete, because she had strong ties to the community and was willing to help the students feel at home.
“My initial reaction [to winning the medallion] was very emotional, because I have been here for 32 years and this is the highest honor/award I have received,” Collins said. “I feel like all my effort and work I have done working with students, faculty, staff and the community was recognized.”
In 2010, Collins expanded her mission to include advocating for students with disabilities and finding solutions to create an environment that was free from any additional barriers. As the Disability Services Coordinator and now the Assistant Director of the DRC, Collins began educating the university on inclusivity, which extended to a wide range of areas, such as including students with disabilities in marketing and recruitment materials, sponsoring role models such as speakers with disabilities and/or incorporating accessibility in student activities to engage and welcome everyone. Collins’ passion was evident in the emails she received from students thanking her for her commitment.
A selection committee was tasked with choosing this year’s recipients.
“We were looking for someone who understood diversity and had taken part in actions to promote diversity on our campus primarily, and Barbara certainly met those qualifications,” Communications and Journalism Professor and member of the selection committee Dr. Manuel Flores said.
Collins also became co-chair of the university’s Climate, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and created a Diversity and Equity Climate survey, public art renditions to enrich the campus and formed a committee to organize an annual symposium, which focuses on issues of social justice and equity.
“Throughout her various roles, she has actively promoted inclusivity and increased diversity awareness,” Castillo-Alaniz said. “Overall, there was so much she did, whether she was committed in student success or mentoring students of color. It was easy for me to choose her and nominate her for this award.”