"I came to Rutgers not only because it was close to home, but because of its diversity. It is a place that reflects the region in which we live - which is an eclectic mix of people from all over the world and all walks of life. The thing that I like most about my Rutgers experience is the many opportunities it provides to its students. People can learn about many cultures and religions. They also have a means to visit places in the area because of its closeness to major cities such as New York and Philadelphia. One can learn even more with access to museums and libraries. The resources are virtually unlimited. I think Rutgers is a great place to open your eyes and let go of any fears you have about being around people who are "different" from you. Some of them may just as well allow you to explore your interests and allow you to grow intellectually. I think that the GSE has a great program in many fields of education, and some of the finest researchers and professors as well."

"I am currently working on my third degree from Rutgers. I have had the opportunity to get to know the school very well. I am drawn to its academics, resources, size and reputation. The educational experiences that I have received have allowed me to pursue my dreams and appreciate the art of learning."

Caroline "CC" Clauss-Ehlers, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Graduate School of Education

"As a bilingual psychologist focused on cross-cultural research and practice, the Graduate School of Education is a great place to be. The school shows consistent support for my interest in cross-cultural courses and multicultural school/family resilience research. This is evident in the commitment to diversity and the support of research assistants, technological resources, grants, and course offerings. The Graduate School of Education also has partnerships with diverse New Brunswick schools that are willing to participate in practica and research. All these efforts are characterized by an independence and flexibility to develop creative work. Being exposed to diverse faculty, staff and students broadens perspectives, knowledge and understanding within our larger global community."

Michael Smith, Ph.D. Professor Graduate School of Education

"It's one thing to voice a respect for diversity and quite another to live it. One of the reasons I'm proud to teach at Rutgers is that we do more than talk the talk. Recently, I was taking a job candidate for a tour of the campus. I was talking about the diversity of the student body. As I was finishing my spiel, a campus bus pulled up and students of every description spilled out. The candidate smiled. I didn't need to say any more. Our diversity is especially important to me because I'm part of a multi-racial family. When my kids come to my office, it's good for them to see others like them. I came to Rutgers from a Big Ten university. I left that school because although it was a tolerant place, it was not a diverse one. I'm delighted that Rutgers is both."

Dorothy S. Strickland Professor II Graduate School of Education

Department:	Department of Learning and Teaching in the Graduate School of Education
Research Interests:	Literacy education -- Pre-Kindergarten-Middle School, linguistic diversity, intervention programs.
At Rutgers Since:	1990
E-Mail Address:	strickla@rci.rutgers.edu
Undergraduate:
Graduate:	Ph.D., New York University
"A commitment to diversity is among the many things that make teaching and learning at the Graduate School of Education exciting and rewarding, Students and faculty reflect a broad array of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, national and ethnic origins, and scholarly interests. By valuing and nurturing diversity, the GSE provides an environment in which unique talents and perspectives are welcomed and encouraged. The benefits are obvious to all who participate in our scholarly community of learners and extend beyond the GSE in the form of excellent preparation for leadership in the diverse society in which we live."