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Honoring the legacy of Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman for her outstanding contributions as an educator, community activist, and commitment of lifelong service.
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WHEREAS, on the occasion of her farewell to relocate to Florida, the City Council recognizes the invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication of Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman towards fostering community connection through her many roles
WHEREAS, Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman served as executive vice president and dean of diversity at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, for 20 years before her retirement. During her time at CSP, she worked closely with the university president to provide links between and among the administration, the university, and the larger community
WHEREAS, She also provided vision and leadership for the university’s diversity efforts through creative programming; consultation and partnership with faculty, staff, and administrators; and by creating and sustaining supportive relationships with students and significant public constituencies
WHEREAS, Concordia’s multicultural organizations acknowledged her with appreciation awards for leadership, guidance, support, and service. In 2018, the “Dr. Cheryl Troutman Chatman Diversity Center” was dedicated at Concordia University in her honor
WHEREAS, Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman is active in the community, serving as an officer of the NAACP's St. Paul Branch, Vice President of the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Black Women in Higher Education (ABWHE), and a co-facilitator of a community organization called EVERY BODY’S IN. She completed a six-year term as a church council member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
WHEREAS, Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman co-chaired the Selma 50th anniversary celebration hosted in St. Paul, MN. During her tenure at Concordia University, she received a lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Black Women in Higher Education, a pioneering leader award from the Minnesota chapter of ABWHE, and a lifetime achievement award from the Governor’s Commission for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration
WHEREAS, Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman holds a doctorate in education in educational administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master of Science degree in Child Development from Iowa State University, and a bachelor of science in psychology from Bethune-Cookman College
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council herby proclaims August 17th, Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman Day in honor of recognizing her outstanding contributions to provide opportunities to students for over 20 years, providing a platform for historically marginalized communities to be seen and heard, and her invaluable service to our community
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman for her tireless efforts in engaging the hearts and minds of community members, fostering radical hope and promoting authentic healing through the power of possibility. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Cheryl T. Chatman, and that it be spread upon the official records of the City as a testament to her exemplary dedication and service to our community.