William R. Goins Spirit of Diversity Award

William R. Goins Spirit of Diversity Award

Ivy Tech Community College proudly presents the inaugural William R. Goins Spirit of Diversity Award. The award was created to recognize Ivy Tech faculty and staff whose service, inspired by William “Bill” Goins’ dedication to the advancement of diversity, goes above and beyond their regular duties and contributes to the development of a diverse, equitable campus community with a sense of belonging for all. The Spirit of Diversity honoree will also select an Ivy Tech department, student organization, employee affinity group, or campus foundation to receive a $2,500 grant to further the College’s diversity, equity, and belonging initiatives. Up to five awards are made annually.

William R. Goins, affectionately known as Bill, served as Ivy Tech State Trustee from 1995 – 2008, including chairing the state board during a time of significant growth and development of the College. Bill led the College through a successful transition from Indiana Vocational Technical College to becoming Ivy Tech Community College, now the largest singly-accredited statewide community college in the nation. Bill also served as a Foundation Board Director for more than 22 years. During his tenure, Bill Goins worked tirelessly to advance diversity initiatives to better serve our students, staff, and community. Until his death in January 2020, he served as an effective voice and leader of Ivy Tech Community College, and his passion and commitment to education and equity will leave a lasting legacy.

Winners Announced

Ivy Tech Community College announced the winners of its inaugural William R. Goins Spirit of Diversity Award. The award was created to recognize Ivy Tech faculty and staff whose service to the advancement of diversity goes above and beyond their regular duties.

2021 Winners

• Wendy Chinn, Financial Aid Advisor and Diversity Lead, Evansville Campus
• Robin Harrington, Assistant Professor/Program Chair, Human Services, Sellersburg Campus
• Wendy Railing, Director of Financial Aid, South Bend/Elkhart Campus

2022 Winners

• Dr. Ren'A Wagner- Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Belonging Muncie Campus

The award is inspired by William “Bill” Goins’ dedication and contribution to the development of a diverse, equitable campus community with a sense of belonging for all. The honorees will also select an Ivy Tech department, student organization, employee affinity group, or campus foundation to receive a $2,500 grant to further the College’s diversity, equity, and belonging initiatives.

Applications were reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Demonstration of emerging or sustained commitment to the values of diversity, equity and belonging by documented efforts that are above and beyond the routine expectations of the job or project.
• Evidence of exceptional efforts to promote a College culture that is free from bias and discrimination.
• Substantiation of the contribution that the individual, team, or unit has made towards advancing diversity, equity and belonging.