Excellence in Human Relations (Classified)

Joyce Smith

Joyce E. smith, goes above and beyond her job as administrative support coordinator at the Office of Equity and Inclusion, volunteering to assist many student groups on campus.

Smith is a volunteer with the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally (LGBTQA) student organization, an advisor for the Gamma Sigma Sigma student organization and an international student advocate on both the university and high school level. She is also a facilitator for the online Dialogue on the Race Relations Program and serves on a variety of committees including the Food Pantry Advisory Board.

She recently received the Diversity Visionary Award from Insight to Diversity magazine as a result of her efforts to enhance the campus diversity and inclusion.

“Her efforts in the Office of Equity and Inclusion have helped members of the faculty and staff succeed in accomplishing their recruitment and performance goals,” said Matt Boaz, director of equity and inclusion.

Smith provides support to LGBTQA students, staff and faculty members, helping them feel more included in campus. Her efforts with international students have helped expose potential students from many countries to the Wright State culture and increased the international student enrollment.

“Joyce’s ability to connect with and mentor students is highly impressive,” said Kristie Marcum, assistant director of equity and inclusion. “It is very clear that she is very important to all of these students and they sincerely value her, her advice and kindness.”

She processes employment paperwork, conducts investigations and provides accommodations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, she has scheduled, coordinated and facilitated search committee trainings for over 100 people while working with little to no supervision.

“Joyce’s Diversity Visionary Award provided public recognition on a national level to Wright State as an institution that values diversity and promotes positive human relations,” said Boaz.