The director of the Multicultural Center develops relationships and programs of students who are traditionally underrepresented, Dean of students Karl Beeler said.
"The world is multicultural," Beeler said. "So the center is a very important part of the university."
Patricia Lovett, the assistant director of Ball State University's Multicultural Center, gave a presentation entitled "Strengthening a University's Muticultural Center by Building Partnerships" to a crowd of more than 30 students and faculty at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the Student Center's Multipurpose Room.
Lovett is one of two candidates for the director of the Multicultural Center.
Lovett's presentation outlined the history of multicultural centers, their role in the university, the significance of partnerships, preparing students for the 21st century and her mission as director of the Multicultural Center.
Prior to being the assistant director of the Multicultural Center, Lovett was the acting director of student life at Virginia Tech University's athletic department,
She said she plans to continue partnerships with other campus groups and being a resource to all students. She said she wants to develop programs that are a reflection of the diversity of the student population and assist with retention efforts.
"The first thing I want to accomplish [if appointed director] is getting more students into the center and feel more connected," Lovett said. "I also want to identify the minority students that are struggling and help them along at the university."
Lovett said had it not been for the assistance of multicultural centers like the one at Ball State, she would not be where she is today.
When asked what her greatest struggle would be, Lovett said overcoming the students' stigma that the center is for minority students only.
"I think it's important for students to learn about different cultures to become well rounded when they leave the university," Lovett said.
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