Cynthia Sims and Eboni Moore

August 20, 2018

Eboni Moore wins new scholarship aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Fostering equality and social justice can begin at any age and a new scholarship at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will annually recognize a student who is already demonstrating that.

Eboni Moore wins inaugural scholarship award

Eboni Moore, a senior elementary education major from Kansas City, Missouri, is the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Cynthia Howard Sims Diversity and Inclusion Award.

Sims, associate dean for Academic and Student Affairs for the College of Education and Human Services and workforce education and development professor and interim chair, established the award recently “to recognize and support an undergraduate student for her/his efforts to promote diversity and inclusion and social justice/equal access.”

Already doing her part

Sims said she believes that college students, especially those studying education and human services, “should become culturally competent and enhance their interpersonal communication and advocacy skills with diverse groups. They should be encouraged to work with marginalized, disempowered and underrepresented populations to ensure they have equal opportunities, access and support.”

She likewise is convinced those who do should be recognized. Moore has already demonstrated that commitment, Sims said.

Last summer Moore, the daughter of Paulita and Shannon Moore, taught math and reading to disadvantaged youth through the Memphis Teacher Residency Summer Internship program. She is currently completing her student teaching at Carbondale’s Lewis School and will graduate in December.

Equal opportunities are important to Moore

Moore is an advocate for equality and social justice on campus and wherever she goes.

“By continuing to educate my peers about unequal education opportunities, the importance of diversity and the need for inclusion, I believe that I will be upholding the values of this scholarship to the utmost,” Moore wrote in her application. “Ensuring that all people, no matter what ethnicity, socioeconomic background, gender, or creed, have access to a quality education and the opportunity to become a productive member of society will continue to be my mission.”

She also expressed appreciation for the scholarship and to Sims for creating the award, demonstrating her commitment to their shared mission.

Winner chosen on the basis of an essay

The award includes a $750 scholarship and the winner is chosen by the college dean and a scholarship committee on the basis of a two-page essay in which applicants explain how they have demonstrated that they value diversity and includion and illustrate that they have worked to promote equality or social justice.

You can find details about the Dr. Cynthia Howard Sims Diversity and Inclusion Award and numerous other scholarships available on SIU’s AcademicWorks website.