A friend of mine gave me the book Dreamland, written by Sam Quinones, and told me that I have to read it.

The summary on the back of the book recommended that every American should read it. By the time I got to page 30, I had to agree!

By the time I finished the book, I added it my “Best Book List” for the quality of its writing, the depth of its content and its pertinence to the lives of all Americans today.

This book is nothing if not timely.

It is a book about us, as in ColumbUS. Dreamland explores the OxyContin, black tar heroin and opioid epidemic, which impacts countless small (and large) cities around our nation.

Additionally, the book covers:

• immigration and rancheros in Mexico,
• the history of Portsmouth, Ohio,
• small business startups,
• the big “pharma” industry,
• the treatment of pain and addiction,
• Denver’s role in all of this, and
• some of the most important issues discussed in our current Senatorial and Presidential campaigns

Even if you keep up with the news every day, I’ll wager that you’ll wonder how all this issues could be going on around us without all of us knowing!

Sam Quinones is a wonderful writer. He expertly weaves multiple story lines through a series of snappy, short chapters. You can read a couple of those over lunch every day, but you won’t want to put it down.

If you are like me, you will want to read it all night through!

When our Ohio State community recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, the entire university is able to tell an even more dynamic narrative of preeminence and equity in higher education.

The inclusion of everyone and having a diversity of people, ideas, perspectives and experiences enriches us all.

 Dean’s Diversity Dashboard

• 17.8% of EHE faculty and staff are composed of individuals from underrepresented groups, including those who identify as American Indian, Asian, African American, Hawaiian, Latino and individuals who identify with two or more races
• 25% of our college’s leadership team is composed of individuals from underrepresented groups
• 16% of EHE graduate and undergraduate students are diverse

In our college, diversity and inclusion are recognized and honored.

The DICE office leads the college in diversity and inclusion initiatives

EHE’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement (DICE) leads our commitment to advancing social justice and equity in an effort to support the entire Buckeye community.

Valerie Kinloch

Under the leadership of Associate Dean Valerie Kinloch, professor of teaching and learning, DICE supports dynamic programming, high-quality research, international partnerships, and community and school outreach efforts.

The office advocates for the social, civil and educational rights of all students, staff and faculty in EHE.

How you can join EHE in recognizing and honoring diversity

Our goal is the same as the university’s: to become a model for inclusive excellence. We want our college to be reflective of the community — and world — outside of our campus boundaries.

Let’s recognize, honor and support diversity and inclusion in our daily lives and on our campus by:

• Supporting the university’s Multicultural Center, which offers resources to all members of the Ohio State community and is led by EHE alumni Todd Suddeth, ’06 MA, ’15 PhD, and Bowen Marshall, ’MA 11
• Attending events hosted by EHE’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
• Joining or learning more about campus organizations and resources that create an inclusive campus, including:

  • ¿Qué pasa, OSU? — The first stop for information about Ohio State’s Latino/a community
  • Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity — An interdisciplinary research institute with aims to create an inclusive society
  • Asian/Asian American Leadership Institute — A multi-week conference to deeply engage campus leaders in discussion and reflection
  • American Indian Council — Hosts events and programs for individuals who wish to learn more about the rich heritage of the American Indian/ Indigenous populations
  • Q*mmunity of LGBTQ Students and Allies — A group dedicated to creating space for LGBTQ and Allied students, faculty and staff
• Participating in conferences that directly address inclusion, race, disability, privilege and equity

I believe deeply in the importance and benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion — please join me in upholding these important ideals.