Dean Coussens Joins Diversity Council’s Board of Directors
Kendall College School of Business Dean Michelle Coussens Joins the Illinois Diversity Council’s Board of Directors
CHICAGO-February 9, 2012-Michelle Coussens, dean of the Kendall College School of Business in Chicago, has joined the Board of Directors for the Illinois Diversity Council, the state’s premier advocate for diversity issues.
“The Illinois Diversity Council is proud to welcome such a distinguished businesswoman to the team,” said Dennis Kennedy, founder and CEO of The National Diversity Council. “Michelle is exactly the type of partner the Council needs to further grow our efforts.”
Coussens will serve as first chair for the Board of Directors where she will assist in establishing the Council’s annual goals and event schedule. She will also work on development of the National Diversity Council’s strategic plan.
Coussens has served as dean of the Kendall College School of Business since 2008. In 2005, she developed, and through her outside consulting business still teaches, a two-day business planning course for NeighborWorks® America, a Congressionally-funded organization providing funding and technical assistance to community development entities nationwide. She has also served as a consultant to several community development organizations both within and outside the NeighborWorks® America network.
“I am delighted to join this board and assist the council in serving its mission of increasing diversity and inclusion in businesses, communities, and schools,” said Coussens. “The organization aligns with Kendall College, as our School of Business attracts and values students from many walks of life both locally and from around the world.”
On May 15, Coussens will be a guest speaker at the Illinois Women’s Conference, sponsored by the Illinois Diversity Council and focused on female professional development, community, networking, entrepreneurship and women’s health, presenting “Entrepreneurship: It’s time to create your own business.” For more information about the conference, visit http://www.nationalwomensconference.com/Illinois/.
ABOUT THE KENDALL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Kendall College, founded in 1934, is located in Chicago, Illinois. Kendall offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 2200 students. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities that help give students in business, hospitality and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. The School of Business emphasizes the critical skills and professional edge needed to excel in today’s global workforce, resulting in graduates who are professional, confident and prepared for a variety of service-oriented career fields. The innovative, yet practical, curriculum utilizes tools such as situation-based challenges, living case studies, management simulations and integrative projects. It focuses not only on business functions, but also on the softer skills essential for long term career advancement and provides opportunities for students to develop meaningful connections with the business community. Kendall College, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS DIVERSITY COUNCIL
The mission of the Illinois Diversity Council, a branch of the National Diversity Council, is to enhance appreciation for and understanding of the value of diversity and inclusion. They aim to achieve success through the efforts and activities which advance corporate leadership education and awareness of the varied dimensions of diversity. The Council facilitates discussions of issues while challenging the attitudes of leaders, as well as promoting organizational change that supports diversity. They also aspire to endorse outreach efforts to our youth that inspire mutual respect and understanding across cultures.
For more information about the Illinois Diversity Council, visit www.IllinoisDiversityCouncil.org.
Media Contacts:
Cecilee Haywood, 713-592-6998, Cecilee.Haywood@NationalDiversityCouncil.org
Amber Cerda, 312-752-2472, amber.cerda@kendall.edu
