Outreach Coordinator Gerald Hankerson to serve on UIC's African American Leadership Council

CAIR-Chicago is proud to announce that Outreach Coordinator Gerald Hankerson will be serving on the University of Illinois-Chicago's (UIC) inaugural African American Leadership Council. Hankerson was extended an invitation to serve on the council after attending an African American Community and Civic Leadership meeting with University of Illinois President Robert Easter and UIC Chancellor and University of Illinois Vice President Paula Allen-Meares in May of this year.

UIC established the African American Leadership Council this year to aid the college in its efforts to maintain diversity. The council aims to connect the University with its surrounding community; moreover, it will work towards developing policy and infrastructure to maintain recruitment and retention efforts for African American students. The African American Leadership Council meets twice a year with President Easter and Chancellor Allen-Meares to work together to develop an agenda for advancing the university's commitment to the diversity of their students, faculty and staff.

Hankerson is delighted to have the opportunity to serve the UIC community. He applauds President Easter and Chancellor Allen-Meares, as well as their administrative teams, for seeking to address the status of Black student recruitment, retention, and marticulation.

"As a former student, I’m truly hopeful that UIC will seriously consider practical steps in ensuring high retention and graduation rates for Black students," Hankerson said. "...As a member of this leadership council, I’m honored to have the opportunity to share my insights and to help this leading institution accomplish and sustain its goals.

I have faith that UIC can succeed in meeting the needs of our students."