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The �������� community is invited to special event focusing on “Creating Safe Spaces for Authentic Conversation” on Friday, Aug. 26.

Hosted by the Patton College of Education, the event will feature an online session from 9 – 10 a.m. and an in-person session from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Athens Community Center. For the in-person event, free lunch will be provided for registered attendees.  

The programming will be led by , a team of artists, athletes and activators whose mission is to strengthen social and emotional literacy and create safe spaces for authentic connection that activates joy, compassion, empathy and engagement within organizations, schools and communities.

The event is part of the Patton College’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs that will be offered throughout the academic year. 

During the 2021-202 academic year, Patton College Interim Dean Sara Helfrich created the Dean’s Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Education to lead a reorganized, more robust committee that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Thom Stevenson, assistant professor of instruction in the Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism program, was named as the new Dean’s Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Education. Stevenson leads the committee and advises Patton College leadership, faculty, staff, and students to advance diversity, equity, and inclusive education across the college. 

The Friday, Aug. 26 event is open to everyone. To register for the event, scan the QR code in the image above.