What’s happening at Augusta University next week?

In honor of our country’s African American heritage, below are a few news stories to consider for Black History Month.

Meet Augusta University’s first African American female chief diversity officer

Dr. Tiffany Townsend, a widely recognized leader in diversity and psychology, is the first African American woman to be named the chief diversity officer at Augusta University. Although she is only been serving at the university for four months, she is already creating a campus culture that values inclusivity, integrity and compassion. Her work in diversity has been featured in several media outlets, including the Los Angeles Times. Townsend is available to speak on the power of diversity in higher education.

Augusta University empowers community to combat Georgia’s HIV crisis

Georgia ranks first in the nation for its rate of new HIV cases, and data shows an increase of diagnoses among young gay and bisexual African American males. Karen Denny, director of Augusta University’s Ryan White Program, is available to share what can be done to empower the community in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

What you need to know about sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that affects nearly one out of every 365 African Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although living with the disease can be a challenge, hematologists in Augusta University Health’s Sickle Cell Center can speak on the various ways sickle cell patients can live a long and high-quality life.

Augusta University on a mission to recruit more African American male teachers

Recent data from the National Center of Education Statistics estimates that since 2014, ethnic and racial minorities make up more than half of the student population in public schools across this nation, yet people of color represent about 20 percent of the teachers and only 2% are African American men. Augusta University’s College of Education Dean Judi Wilson is teaming up with Coach Clint Bryant, director of athletics at Augusta University, and the university’s African American Male Initiative to change these statistics through mentorship. Speak with Wilson or Bryant to learn more about the university’s upcoming summit for minority male educators being held March 30.

Jazz legend’s concert to shed light on race relations

Wycliffe Gordon, a legendary trombonist and director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University, will perform his original score Within These Gates of Mine in concert on Feb. 21 at the Maxwell Theatre. Gordon will present his songs live with the Augusta University Jazz Ensemble to the 1920 silent film Within Our Gates by Oscar Micheaux, which portrays the contemporary racial situation in the United States during the early 20th century. Schedule an interview with Gordon to learn more about his upcoming performance.

View an image of Dr. Tiffany Townsend.

Photo, video and interview opportunities are available for these story ideas. Call 706-522-3023 to schedule an interview on any of these topics. Also, check out the Augusta University Expert Center to view a complete list of our experts ready to provide timely, informative interviews on topics ranging from cybersecurity to business.