MUW’s Shields Gets Diversity Honor

Shields

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Janie Shields of Columbus, Life Enrichment Program coordinator at Mississippi University for Women, was honored today with a diversity award by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning.

Each university, as well as the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi State University Division of Agricultural, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, submitted one nomination for consideration to IHL’s Office of External Relations. Nominees were evaluated based on positive contributions to the campus and the state and advancing diversity among their respective institutions.

Shields was recognized at an IHL event Feb. 18 in Jackson and will be honored on campus at the Diversity Award for Excellence Recognition Luncheon Ceremony Thursday, Feb. 26 at 11:30 a.m. Past recipients also will be recognized.

“Since taking leadership of the LEP last April, Janie has succeeded in increasing the diversity of participants in the program,” said Dr. Kate Brown, Outreach & Innovation director, in her nomination of Shields.

“In the past year, we’ve seen significant increases in our demographics within the LEP. Janie has focused on engaging more W faculty and staff as volunteer instructors in the program, and this spring the LEP has a record 11 courses taught by W faculty and staff,” Brown added. “Through her relationship with a local organization serving individuals with special needs, we currently have four LEP participants with physical and mental disabilities.

On campus, Shields serves on various committees, including the Traffic Appeals Committee and as reporter for The W’s Staff Council. She came to The W to work in university relations after serving the community as a VISTA volunteer with the United Way of Lowndes County.

Continuing her involvement in community-based activities, she serves on several boards of local and regional organizations including as president of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and as a board member for the Columbus Young Professionals through the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and the Committed to Character Education Program.

Her community service also extends to planning and coordinating community events such as the Christmas Parade as well as volunteering as a peer coach.

Brown said, “Perhaps her most significant contribution has been as co-chair of a coalition of local churches that come together for inclusive worship services regardless of race or denomination.”

Shields is as a member of the first African-American tennis league in Columbus and is a member of the United States Tennis Association. She is currently the tennis coach for the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science located on the campus of The W.

“I have known Janie personally for four years and as her supervisor for nine months. She is a joy to work with, an encourager of others and a warm and courageous person. Committed to improving race relations, Janie involves our entire team in open, constructive dialogue around race-based issues. I cannot imagine a person more deserving of this award, and I offer my highest recommendation,” Brown said.