Pittsburg State University’s Tilford Group formed April 27, 2007, in response to the first Michael Tilford Conference on Diversity and Multiculturalism, named in honor of the late Dean of the Graduate School at Wichita State University. Our nascent organization quickly found an advocate in Dr. Steve Scott, then Provost and now President of the University. The current Provost Dr. Howard Smith continues the tradition of providing fiscal and administrative support.
Composed of volunteers from among faculty, staff and administration, Tilford Group members actively and cooperatively initiate efforts to attract speakers, to present panels, to coordinate workshops and to produce academic and cultural events dedicated to reflecting our commitment to diversity and multiculturalism. Specific initiatives may be viewed in our Activities, Events, and Speakers page.
The Michael Tilford Conference on Diversity and Multiculturalism held annually since 1994 provides an opportunity for faculty, administrators and staff at the Kansas Regents institutions to expand their expertise in the academic areas of diversity and multiculturalism. Participants have the opportunity to explore strategies, exchange ideas about practical applications of diversity education, and establish collaborative efforts. Keynote presentations and Action Session workshops at this conference focus on building partnerships both inside and outside academia.
Originally named the Kansas Regents Conference, it was renamed to recognize the work of the late Dr. Michael P. Tilford from Wichita State University, who passed away on November 6, 1996. Dr. Tilford was one of Wichita State's representatives on the Regents Conference Planning Committee since its inception in 1994, and at the time of his death he was chairing the committee in preparation for the 1997 conference at Wichita State University.
In 1969, Dr. Tilford was one of 100 African-American educators from across the country who received Ford Foundation Grants for advanced graduate study. He received his doctorate from Oklahoma State University in 1970. Dr. Tilford also had a bachelor's degree from Langston University in mathematics/chemistry and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University in science education. He was appointed Dean of the Graduate School of Wichita State University in 1988 and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1994. Dr. Tilford chaired many organizations, and his committee work showed his commitment to the education of students traditionally underrepresented at the university level.
Dr. Tilford was co-chair of the North Central Association accreditation team at WSU, chair of the Kansas Graduate Deans, a member of the national organization Council of Graduate Schools, and past chair of the Midwestern Association for Graduate Schools. In the 1970s he served on a committee that developed a successful proposal for the minority studies program. In addition, he helped to conduct a study of the institutional commitment to "minorities" at WSU. Dr. Michael P. Tilford was a beloved colleague and friend to all who knew him, at WSU and around the state, region and nation, as well as on the Tilford Conference planning committee.
