UW-Stout Staff Awarded for Creating Inclusive Environment, Bringing Harmony to Differences
Arenz, Xiong recognized by Universities of Wisconsin at annual ceremony
Two UW-Stout staff members have been named special award recipients by the Universities of Wisconsin and were honored at a ceremony on Nov. 9, in Madison.
Academic Advisor Jamie Arenz is one of 13 honorees of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People.
Executive Director for Student Inclusion and Belonging Mai Khou Xiong, interim director of Multicultural Student Services, is one of 13 honorees of the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award.
“Mai Khou’s and Jamie’s commitment to the students they serve has been so powerful to our inclusive excellence efforts,” said Assistant Chancellor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Quin Brooks.
“They work diligently every day to create and maintain spaces where an optimum sense of belonging can be crystallized. This has a direct impact on the retention of our students. The work they do and the support they provide our students is beyond vital to UW-Stout’s mission.”
Each UW campus was invited to submit nominations.
The Dr. P.B. Poorman Award, now in its 15th year, is given to people in the LGBTQIA+ community who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive climate. It celebrates the memory and legacy of Paula B. Poorman, a faculty member at UW-Whitewater who dedicated her life to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ people.
“Working with all students is my passion and meeting students where they are. I strive to show everyone respect and kindness.”
“Working with all students is my passion and meeting students where they are,” Arenz said. “I strive to show everyone respect and kindness. I am a believer in holistic advising as well. I believe being my authentic self allows me to be approachable and easier to make connections with everyone.”
Arenz has served as the Gender and Sexuality Alliance adviser and ensures that students can find their voice on campus. He supports advocacy-related events such as Rainbow Graduation, the annual Qubie Gayla and Diversity Week. He is engaged in community service at Stepping Stones of Dunn County and Habitat for Humanity in Menomonie.
The Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award honors women of color for their leadership in making significant and lasting contributions to their campuses and communities. It is given to faculty, staff, students or community members for their achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the Universities of Wisconsin as well as communities across the state.
She was awarded for going above and beyond in her dual roles of supporting students as both the executive director of Student Inclusion and Belonging and interim director of Multicultural Student Services.
She also exhibits “superior leadership and guidance” to TRIO Support Services, McNair Scholars Program, The Qube and Multicultural Students Services. Through her leadership, MSS Stoutward Bound college bridge program received the 2022 Ann Lydecker Educational Diversity Award from the State Council on Affirmative Action. Her collaborations include partnering with the Office of International Education for a heritage-based study abroad program to Thailand; and with the Educational Pathways and Continuing Education and Conferences offices for a Stout STEM Experience youth camp for high school students, with a 3M grant for underrepresented students in STEM in summer 2023.
Read the full article and learn more at uwstout.edu.