UIC Office of Diversity honors 2024 faculty diversity, equity and inclusion awardees
The UIC Office of Diversity, Equity & Engagement (ODEE) recently announced the 2024 awardees and honorable mention for the UIC Faculty Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. This award was created to recognize extraordinary contributions and commitment to the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion on the UIC campus and in the communities it serves.
The 2024 UIC Faculty Diversity, Equity and Inclusion senior awardee was Decoteau J. Irby, PhD, associate professor of educational policy studies in the UIC College of Education. Dr. Irby is celebrated for his extraordinary work supporting men of color in becoming K-12 teachers, his nationally-recognized work in race-conscious organizational improvement and his advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion in Chicago and the State of Illinois.
The emerging awardee was Sarah Abboud, PhD, associate professor of human development nursing sciences in the UIC College of Nursing. Dr. Abboud is celebrated for her unique focus on intersectionality and justice in her work with LGBTQ+ migrant populations and Arab queer communities in Chicago and the global south, as well as her devotion to mentorship of UIC students with marginalized identities.
Honorable Mention was given to David X. Marquez, PhD, professor and interim department head of kinesiology and nutrition in the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences. Dr. Marquez is celebrated for his important work on physical activity and health among older Latinos, as well as his mentoring of young Latino scholars.
Awardees will be honored at the annual Faculty Awards Ceremony and Reception to be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025.