UW-Whitewater student diversity professor, author to speak at Hoard Museum

The Unity Project of Fort Atkinson has announced it will be hosting author and university professor Dr. Ozalle Toms at the Hoard Historical Museum, 401 Whitewater Ave., Fort Atkinson, Sunday, April 3, at 2 p.m.

Toms also is the assistant vice chancellor for student diversity, engagement and success at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

During the April presentation, light refreshments will be served. Facemasks are encouraged at the museum.

According to a recent news release, Toms will debut her novel, “Letting Perseverance Finish.” 

Set in 1980s-90s Detroit, the novel details a young girl’s journey through a life of remarkable peril and relentless obstacles, leading to a triumphant finish.

As a presenter and speaker, Toms has addressed both local and international audiences on micro-aggressions, civil discourse, white privilege and reducing unconscious bias in the hiring system, the release stated. 

Next month’s presentation will mark the third occasion during which Toms has been invited by the Unity Project to speak in Fort Atkinson, the release noted.

During an earlier presentation, she interviewed Derek Barsaleau, a former white nationalist leader and Unity Project program director, about his leadership journey.

Toms has also spoken in Fort Atkinson about micro-aggressions, educating attendees about what micro-aggressions are, how to recognize them and how to speak up against them, the release continued. 

At UW-Whitewater, Toms has undertaken involvements which offer support of university students who have aged-out of foster care, and works to develop faculty perceptions of mentoring as they relate to underrepresented and first-generation college students. 

Her most recent research involves “Perceptions of Culture of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater” and “Assessing Dispositional Skills of Pre-Service Teachers,” according to the release. 

Toms also is active in supporting the local school district and university campus. 

The Unity Project is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization committed to making communities equally welcoming to all its members regardless of race, religion or sexual or gender orientation.  

For more information about the Unity Project, visit fort4all.com. To learn more about volunteering, email: laura.unityproject@gmail.com.

Dr. Ozalle Toms

Hoard Historical Museum, file photo/Chris Spangler. 

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