The Tri-State Diversity Conference has awarded the Individual Champion Award to Dr. Hazel Forsythe. The award recognizes the accomplishments of individuals and teams that contribute to diversity and inclusion through exemplary leadership. Recipients of the Champion Award must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion through diversity and multicultural programming, culture competence, community outreach activities, or other initiatives that are in keeping with the goal of this annual Tri-State Diversity Conference.
Dr. Forsythe has been described as "tireless" in her efforts dealing with diversity. This is just one of many reasons she is highly worthy of this recognition. Among the other reasons are her leadership roles. Dr. Forsythe serves on several committees committed to diversity including the College of Agriculture's Committee for Diversity. She is also chairs of a partnership with the Fayette County Public Schools, the Lexington Equity Council and the Children's Law Center to insure that disciplinary actions not result in different treatment based on race, color or national origin.
In addition to her leadership, Dr. Forsythe demonstrates the qualities recognized by the Champion Award through her other work. She currently mentors students enrolled in Best Buddies, a college chapter for peer interaction with college student and persons with disabilities. She also coordinates student organizations across the state to sponsor a Fall Festival for persons with disabilities. She even encourages dietetics students to partake in volunteer opportunities regarding the nutritional status for Special Olympic athletes.
Well regarded as an advocate for solving problems involving issues of diversity, Dr. Forsythe is an asset to the university. Maggie Cook-Newell, Forsythe's nominator, states, "There is no issue she will not tackle. There is no person she will not assist. There is no person more deserving of the honor than she."