Year Inducted: 1995
"She has an excellent reputation for supporting students and helping them succeed. She is one of those unique faculty members who goes above and beyond what is expected," described Lori Reesor. And that sentiment is reiterated by other professionals. "She is always student-centered. This is a critical orientation... it is easy for many of us in higher education to forget that students are the primary reason we are here." "Her work has enhanced the success of these students in staying on schedule in a demanding curriculum and in adjusting their lives to the University environment."
Dr. Mai-Dalton has developed a number of programs specifically targeted toward students of color and their academic success at KU. She created the Multicultural Business Scholars Program which has attracted attention from other colleges and universities nationally as well as attracted external funding. One student in the program stated, "She has not only given us a scholarship, but strong guidance academically. But most important of all, she offers us her friendship." Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Mai-Dalton always seems to find time for anyone who needs her help. For example, she meets with the Multicultural Business Scholars frequently, takes them to various cultural events and helps with internships and job searches. She has written over 37 articles and papers; serves as a reviewer for several professional journals; and has provided professional consulting services nationally. She is a long-time member of the KU Athletic Board and she established the KU Courtsiders, a supportive organization for the Women's Basketball Team, which raises money to purchase equipment for the team and encourages attendance at the Lady Jayhawk games. She has been an effective catalyst in the implementation of Blueprints for Diversity, the University's comprehensive diversity plan. This inductee is also sensitive to the needs of the housekeeping staff in the Business School (who are mainly women): every year she organizes a holiday party for them, collecting monetary contributions from colleagues to present to the staff as a token of appreciation for their services. Many students have acknowledged that this impressive women is their "personal link to the University", benefitting from her tireless efforts.
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The University of Kansas Medical Center
