Monty Jones, Jr, General Manager

The next two years will provide me an opportunity to be a part of the International Association of Venue Managers’ Diversification Committee. Strengthening university partnership is one of our core initiatives this year. We hope to help facilitate better awareness for diversity among faculty, staff and students we partner with in this industry. Race, age, gender, sexual preference and physically challenged are all prime examples of diversity in this industry. We have all noticed diversity challenges whether it is at a regional meeting, Venue- Connect or through networking opportunities. We have an obligation to enrich and enhance the future of the industry. When I asked faculty and staff members at various colleges and universities about the diversity of the staff, they indicated they are heading in a positive direction. Most feel they have come a long way as departments grow, some currently having the most diverse staffs at their institution. These diverse backgrounds help to cultivate the student bodies. The students are enriched because they have living, real interaction with persons of diversity in their classrooms. Students, when asked, mentioned that when there is diversity among the professors it stimulates the learning environment, and adds a measure of familiarity to the classroom setting as well. There are other opportunities faced by minority students. In Whitney Houston’s song, “Greatest Love of All,” she sang the following lyrics, ‘I believe that children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be’