IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 9 2009
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU’s Montero wins prestigious Minority Achievement Award

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Jessamine Jovelina Mozo Montero, Slippery Rock University’s special assistant to the president: senior officer for diversity and inclusion, will be recognized with a Minority Achievement Award at the 35th Annual Minority Achiever’s reception sponsored by Talk/Minority Opinion Magazine.

            “Our goal in sponsoring these awards is to give recognition and show appreciation to minorities who have made outstanding contributions in their professions. By saluting these people, it is our hope that their accomplishments may serve to inspire others. We also use this opportunity to commend their employers for their commitment to diversity, inclusion and the upward mobility of minority employees,” said Luther Sowell Jr., magazine publisher.

Montero said she is “sheepishly honored” by the recognition; especially since it comes because of what she loves doing. “I have a passion for creating opportunities for students who historically have been underrepresented. Through education, skill building and personal reflection – particularly how they view themselves and the world – students are able to develop richer, stronger sense of selves.  Once doing so, they are then positioned to create their own opportunities,” she said.

“Jessamine is an exceptional person to whom students and colleagues turn for leadership and advice. She makes SRU a better place. We are delighted she is being recognized as a Minority Achiever. It’s an award that is certainly deserved,” said Robert Smith, SRU president.

Montero received her doctor of education in administration and leadership studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She earned a master of business administration from Point Park University and a master’s degree in psychology from Marshal University. She has a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and is certified by the International-National Coalition Building Institute.

She joined SRU in 2002 as assistant director of the Act 101 Program and was promoted to director in 2009. In 2008, Montero served as the interim co-director for the SRU Office of Multicultural Programs. She currently serves a dual role as director of the Act 101 programs and special assistant to the president: senior officer for diversity and inclusion.

Montero is a certified workshop facilitator and trainer for prejudice reduction/welcoming diversity, and handling controversial issues and has worked with a variety of community organizations. She was a faculty fellow for the Frederick Douglass Institute, session leader for the Harambee Summit, and a judge for the W.E.B. DuBois vs. Booker T. Washington Student Debate. She is a member of the International-National Coalition Building Institute, Safe Zone, NACADA, NADE and CARE.

The Minority Achievers Awards reception is Oct. 23 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Pittsburgh.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.