Terri Houston, a well-known teacher and trainer of students, college administrators, and business professionals, will present “God, Gays, Guns, and Gandhi: Let’s Talk Diversity,” on Wed., February 28 as the final 2017-2018 Cook Series event. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in Cloud County Community College’s Cook Theatre, and is free and open to the public.
With more than 30 years of public and private sector experience, coupled with her enthusiastic leadership style, “Ms. H.,” as she’s known to students, has helped universities, non-profits and businesses build strong inclusive organizations, and helped thousands find their purpose and visions.
Houston currently works with Chicago’s largest college counseling firm, Partners For Achievement, which supports students’ transition from high school to college. She previously oversaw Portland, Oregon’s Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. Prior to that, she spent more than 13 years as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Senior Director for Recruitment and Multicultural Programs. Houston also worked at Iowa State University as an Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities and Leadership at Ferris State University.
A native of Chicago, she has a bachelor’s degree from Loras College and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She is a certified diversity and safe-zone trainer, and professionally accredited through the Central Association of College and University Business Officers. She frequently consults and lectures around the country on topics ranging from leadership, diversity and inclusion, organizational and professional development, and personal and spiritual engagement.
As a certified Guardian ad Litem and Life Coach, Houston said she wholeheartedly believes no power is greater than the higher power within. A widely sought speaker, her energetic and humorous message of visionary leadership will entertain as well as educate.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Charles and Marian Cook Series at Cloud County Community College. The Cooks were travelers who wanted to bring the world to those who could not travel themselves. More than 70 events have been presented through the sponsorship of the Cook Foundation and the Division of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business at CCCC. It was always Marian Cook’s wish that all Cook Series events be free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Brenton Phillips, Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business at CCCC.
