About PCEMI

The President’s Commission on Ethnic Minority Issues (PCEMI) was established in 1973 to address the concerns of ethnic minority groups on the UMCP campus. As an advocate for the ethnic minority community, PCEMI has endeavored to ensure that barriers to equal access are identified and addressed, and ethnic minorities are represented in all aspects of life and study throughout the UMCP campus.

The President’s Commission on Ethnic Minority Issues advises the President on issues of concern to minority students, faculty, and staff. It serves as an advocate for the ethnic minority community to help create an environment that is supportive and provides a fair opportunity for the enrollment and graduation of ethnic minority students, and for the employment and upward mobility of ethnic minority faculty and staff. The Commission investigates the needs and concerns of ethnic minorities, reviews existing campus policies that may affect these individuals, and make recommendations for change or improvement.

The current co-chairs of the commission are:

• Dr. Sharon Fries-Britt, Professor, College of Education
• Dr. Kim Nickerson, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, College of Behavioral and Social Science

Each year, the Commission highlights the distinguished services and contribution to the University’s equity efforts by associate staff, faculty, students, instructional and non-instructional units. These awards reinforce our commitment to diversity and equity of treatment and access.