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Posted: 3/04/21

TAMIU’s Akikuni Honored at A&M System Chancellor’s Summit on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 

Mika Akikuni
Mika Akikuni  

The Texas A&M University System has named Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) associate director of Marketing Mika Akikuni one of 11 faculty and professional honorees recognized within the A&M System at its Second Annual Chancellor’s Summit on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards Ceremony.

The Chancellor’s Summit on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which brought together faculty and staff from A&M System universities to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at all System campuses, was conducted virtually this week with over 900 participants.

The Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp and Chairman of the A&M Board of Regents Elaine Mendoza led the keynote address. Summit panel discussion topics included “The Issue of Inclusion,” “Addressing the Issues of Social Justice in Higher Education,” “Data Insights: What You Already Have at Your Fingertips,” and “Current Initiatives.”

Honorees were chosen by System presidents as having best exemplified the work of diversity, equity and inclusion at their respective campuses.

Of his nomination of Akikuni, TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said he has been impressed with her commitment and leadership with TAMIU’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee (TIDE).

“Ms. Akikuni has worked diligently with our TIDE representatives to find multiple platforms to help affirm and elevate our University’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity. Through this commitment we are now better able to share this commitment and continue to expand upon it through programming and resources,” Dr. Arenaz said.

Akikuni said she is grateful for the recognition.

“I am deeply honored by this important recognition by The Texas A&M University System,” Akikuni said, “This is a testament to the quality of work TIDE generates daily through presentations, offerings and strategies to advance the principles of inclusion, diversity and equity at TAMIU and beyond.”

At TAMIU, Akikuni, associate director of Marketing, serves as TIDE co-chair, as charged by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Most recently, TAMIU’s Diversity and Inclusion website, which Akikuni spearheaded with TAMIU’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services and TIDE, won a Gold Award in the 8th Annual Education Digital Marketing Awards competition, under the Social Equality category and an additional Gold Award in the Educational Advertising Awards competition under the Equality and Diversity Promotion category.

Akikuni earned her master's degree in Public Administration from TAMIU and a bachelor's in Journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

Fellow TIDE Committee members include Dr. Peter Haruna, professor of Public Administration and co-chair; Jeanette Hatcher, Special Collections librarian; Dr. Aaron Olivas, associate professor of History; Lorissa Cortez, director of Title IX and Civil Rights; Dr. Marivic Torregosa, College of Nursing and Health Sciences dean; Dr. Barbara Hong; University College dean; Dr. Nicholas Hudson, Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement program director; Nayeli López, assistant director of Student Activities; Dr. Maria Viloria, associate professor of Education; Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, associate professor of Public Administration; Lilia Cantú, University College instructor; Dr. Hayley Kazen, assistant professional, University College; and Dr. Adam Kozaczka, assistant professor of Humanities.

Also, Dr. Jared Dmello, assistant professor of Criminal Justice; Diana Valdez, Office of International Engagement associate director; Dr. Brittany Hood, assistant professor, Department of Social Sciences; Dr. Sharmin Hasan, assistant professor, Department of Biology and Chemistry, and  Pedro Segovia and Anabel Contreras, student representatives.

In addition to Akikuni, this year’s honorees included Dr. Suzanne Bonds, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; Dr. Sanfrena Britt, Texas A&M University-Central Texas; Dr. Jennifer Davis, Texas A&M University-Texarkana; Dr. Vicky Elias, Texas A&M University-San Antonio; Dr. Nirmal Goswami, Texas A&M University-Kingsville; Dr. Joyce Miller, Texas A&M University-Commerce; Dr. George Pacheco, West Texas A&M University; Dr. Srivi Raqmasubramanian, Texas A&M University;  Lathes Towns, Tarleton State University, and Renee Williams, Prairie View A&M University.

About the Texas A&M University System

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation with a budget of $6.3 billion. The System is a statewide network of 11 universities; a comprehensive health science center; eight state agencies, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M System educates more than 151,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $1 billion in FY 2019 and helped drive the state’s economy.

For more on TAMIU’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit its award-winning dedicated web site at: https://www.tamiu.edu/diversity/