Announcer: The Missouri State Journal Weekly Program, keeping you in touch with Missouri State University. Emily Yeap: Diversity and inclusion are popular buzzwords in many organizations today. But what do they really mean? And how do we go beyond paying lip service to the idea? These questions and more will be addressed at Missouri State University's Collaborative Diversity Conference, scheduled for April 19th to 21st this year. I'm Emily Yeap. Joining me today to talk about the conference is Wes Pratt, chief diversity officer and assistant to the president at Missouri State. Wes Pratt: This is the fifth year of the conference. Generally, the conference is an opportunity for practitioners and professionals in the field of diversity and inclusion to share best practices, to highlight sometimes the research that's done in various areas, to give people an idea of what has gone on in the world of diversity and inclusion. Not only in higher education, but also in employment, in business and private sectors, as well as the non-private sector. Emily Yeap: The theme for this year's conference is “Practice What You Preach in Diversity and Inclusion.” Pratt says it emphasizes action. Wes Pratt: A lot of people will talk about diversity, so I like to say you got to do more than talk about it, you got to be about it. We hope to showcase some of the things that have gone on in diversity and inclusion, certainly at Missouri State University, but also in the larger community and elsewhere as well. We want to be able to share with not only practitioners, but with our local community some of the best practices in diversity and inclusion, and demonstrate to folks that certainly Missouri State is about the business of practicing what it preaches when it comes to diversity and inclusion. I think people will be surprised to know we've been working with the business community, we've been working with the public entities in our community, we've been working with even law enforcement in an effort to enhance an awareness of the value of diversity, and the intentional aspects of inclusion. Emily Yeap: For the first time ever, the conference will include a business track. Pratt explains. Wes Pratt: We'll be highlighting some of those initiatives and efforts of involving diversity and inclusion in our business and corporate community, as well as with our public entities. Emily Yeap: In addition, the Student Day will be held once again on April 19th. Students will view a documentary and engage in discussion with an award-winning filmmaker. Wes Pratt: We're featuring a film called, "American Textures." It's a filmmaker by the name of Arnd Wachter, who did a film about six students who actually go to some of the historical sites in America and discuss issues of diversity and inclusion. That engagement and the sharing that they have amongst themselves will be very provocative. I think our students will benefit from having the opportunity not only to view the film, but to engage in the courageous conversations that come after it. Emily Yeap: The keynote presentation on April 20th, which is free to attend, will feature academician Dr. Scott Page. He will speak on the topic "Cognitive and Identity Diversity Bonuses." Wes Pratt: He’s a college professor of complex systems, political science and economics at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on complex systems and diversity in social systems. His expertise is dealing with the value of diversity in complex organizations and how that all sort of comes together. Emily Yeap: The largest event of its kind in the state, Pratt says the annual conference goes beyond just helping people expand their knowledge about diversity. Wes Pratt: We try to create a conference experience that provides not only opportunities for people to learn and grow, but also by showcasing some of the things that we're doing in Missouri State, as well as in the larger community. Give folks a prescription, if you will, to replicate some of these things and to work with the various constituencies and stakeholders, perhaps in the universities or where they live and learn, and provide an opportunity for them to take advantage of some of the unique things that are going on in this region. Emily Yeap: The registration fee is $185. For more information or to register, visit diversity.MissouriState.edu/conference. I'm Emily Yeap for the Missouri State Journal. Announcer: For more information, contact the office of University Communications at 417-836-6397. The Missouri State Journal is available online at KSMU.org