Colorado State University Administrator Honored with National Award for Program Steering Diverse Groups into Science Degrees

Note to Reporters: A photo of Arlene Nededog is available with the news release at http://news.colostate.edu.

Arlene Nededog, who has spent her 27-year career at CSU recruiting and mentoring diverse student groups, has been honored with a national award from the organization Advancing Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, or SACNAS.

Nededog, who is currently director of Undergraduate Retention Programs for the College of Natural Sciences, will receive the 2012 SACNAS Distinguished Service to Society Award at the October annual conference.

Nancy Hurtado-Ziola, chair of the national SACNAS chapter committee, and CSU Professor Paul Laybourn were among those who nominated Nededog.

“As Director of Retention Programs in our college, Arlene mentors minority science students, teaching them networking, organizational, communication and leadership skills,” said Laybourn, biochemistry professor at CSU who coordinates an NSF-funded summer research program for minority undergraduate students from around the country. “She is a tireless advocate for these students with the faculty and administration in the College and University, often acting as their mother away from home.

“As just one indicator of Arlene’s key role as an advocate for science students of color in the Rocky Mountain region, the Northern Colorado Multicultural Corporation established an annual award in her honor,” Laybourn said. “Arlene has also been an inspiring role model and mentor for me as I endeavor to promote diversity issues at home and nationally.”

Nededog has served as chairwoman and representative for the university’s Multicultural Commission and has presented numerous cross-cultural communication workshops for various departments and organizations. She developed a retention plan for the Minority Student Resource Center, Student Hispanic Honor Society and a networking program linking women interested in science with female faculty. She also facilitates academic success groups targeting minority students. She is a past recipient of the CSU Minority Distinguished Service Award.

In 2011, the SACNAS chapter she founded at CSU was one of only eight chapters of 60 nationwide to be recognized with the Role Model Chapter Award for its Outstanding Chapter and Regional Leadership. The Role Model award was based on numerous factors including an extensive analysis of the chapter’s annual report and the types of activities accomplished, as well as chapter membership.

In 2010, the Colorado State chapter was one of six recognized with the Medium Size (15-30 members) Chapter of the Year Award. Among the chapter’s accomplishments were leadership development and overall cohesiveness. The chapter was also recognized for extensive facilitation of the Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting, mentoring with the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair and tutoring with the Triunfo/Triumph Leadership Program – a partnership that matches undergraduate CSU tutors with underserved K-5 students in the Poudre School District. The program is coordinated by El Centro Student Services and the College of Natural Sciences Education & Outreach Center.

The SACNAS CSU chapter aims to connect people from all racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds who are passionate about working with diverse populations in the science and engineering fields. The group also aims to encourage ethnically diverse students to pursue graduation education and obtain advanced degrees.

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