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Patricia Hopson-Shelton Led Millersville on Path to Diversity

Since 1987, Patricia Hopson-Shelton served the Millersville University campus as assistant to the president for social equity and as a member of the president’s executive cabinet. After 23 years of service, she retired this fall.

Hopson-Shelton’s list of accomplishments include establishing the President’s Commission on Cultural Diversity and the Status of Women; the African American and Latino/a year-long cultural celebrations, through the Black and Latino Cultural Celebrations, which have been recently named after Frederick Douglass and Rosario Caminero. She is also founder of the Collegiate Leadership Development Institute, Creating a Caring Community: A Diversity Education Program and the first mediation program within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Hopson-Shelton was chosen as one of the 25 honorees in Lancaster Mediation Center’s 2007 Peacemaker Celebration, part of the Center’s 25th anniversary. In 2010, Hopson-Shelton was appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights Pennsylvania State Advisory Committee and to the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Board of Directors, where she continues to serve.

In 2000, she spearheaded the Campus Climate Survey, a University-wide diversity research project, which led to the development and implementation of the University’s first strategic plan for equity, diversity and community from 2005-2009. This document has and continues to serve as a model for universities within the state system and throughout the nation. Then in 2009, she organized the Social Equity Strategic Planning Advisory Committee to develop a survey on campus climate and how it had changed over the years. “Millersville University seeks to create an environment characterized by equal access for all students, faculty and staff regardless of cultural differences, and where individuals are not just tolerated but valued,” explained Hopson-Shelton.

“Some of the best lessons I have learned are from students. They have high expectations, and expect a lot. They look to us to represent them well,” said Hopson-Shelton.

Hopson-Shelton has been a mentor to students through her sponsorship of countless student development programs that focused on the values of tolerance and diversity and as an advisor to the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and the college chapter of the NAACP. “We are like family,” she said, when asked about her relationship with the fraternity.

As an executive board member of the Global Awareness Society Inc. (GASI),  Hopson-Shelton has recently traveled to Poland, where she gave a presentation at Jagiellonian University on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Allies (LGBTQIA) issues in the U.S. “I learned so much about the resiliency of this country. Being there helps you understand other people’s struggles. We want the same things from life; peace, prosperity and to feel safe.” She will present with GASI in Egypt in 2012.

Most recently, Hopson-Shelton accepted an invitation from the Pa., Department of Corrections to serve as a victims advocate. Her stellar reputation has led to many requests for her services as a consultant and advisor, which she is doing through PHS Associates & Consulting Inc.

Her last words to the University community: “I encourage Millersville to continue its commitment to being excellent and inclusive, as we move forward.”

3 replies on “Patricia Hopson-Shelton Led Millersville on Path to Diversity”

Dear Patricia,

Having worked with you, I can say your dedication and contribution to Millersville University deserve praise. While you may have retired, I know you still have much to give and do. I value our friendship and your warmth towards my family and me.

peace and love,
Nazli

Patricia:
Congratulations on your retirement. You have done a wonderful job and it was always a pleasure to work with you before I retired. Since we didn’t get together when you were working, lets get together and get up dated on every thing. I’m sure you will enjoy your retirement. Again, congratulations and look forward to seeing you soon.

Your friend,
Elizabeth (Betty) Counts

Patricia I wish you peace and comfort in your retirement years.
You have served the University well and you can be very proud of your years of work on behalf of the entire University.

I remain your friend,
Rosemary Fisher

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