April 23, 2018
President Myers speaks with Samuel, Rodriguez in new video series
Submitted by Office of the President
K-State President Richard Myers speaks to Bryan Samuel, chief diversity and inclusion officer, and Adrian Rodriguez, associate vice president for student life, diversity and multicultural student affairs, in new video series, Minutes with Myers.
The video series is a new method for Myers to discuss unique and important conversations across the university. This inaugural episode presents a topic central to the university's values — diversity and inclusion. Kansas State University recently hired Samuel, who started in March, and Rodriguez, who started in December 2017 and they are working together to strengthen the university and the KSUnite movement.
President Myers asks the two university leaders what diversity and inclusion means to each of them and what does it mean for K-State.
"I perceive diversity and inclusion to be a value and an appreciation for each individual in their own right," Samuel says. "I don't have to change who I am to be a valued member of the community. I can be myself. I can contribute to the goals and objectives of the university and don't have to worry about forming alter-egos and things of that nature to be respected."
"In viewing it through the students' lens, it's to value each of our students, appreciate them and that means to make sure they feel welcomed at K-State," Rodriguez says. "Make sure that they have equitable access to support to be successful and that not only are we preparing college-ready students but culturally-competent-ready students."
Watch the video to hear where each of these influential Kansas State University leaders think the university is headed and how K-Staters can improve the family atmosphere to help all students succeed.