Steven Holley (left), vice chancellor for administration and finance; Stacey Reycraft, director of student disability services; and Sara Austin Welch, Associated Student Body president, are the university’s representatives on the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning’s new ADA/Accessibility Task Force.
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi has three representatives on the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning‘s new ADA/Accessibility Task Force.
UM representatives are Stacey Reycraft, director of student disability services; Steven Holley, vice chancellor for administration and finance; and Sara Austin Welch, Associated Student Body president. IHL established the group to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive within the university system.
The committee has had two meetings already and plans to meet again over the next 10 months to develop ways to enhance support for students with disabilities in the state’s public universities. Sub-groups will focus on housing, student engagement, student events, academic affairs and other areas.
As the university’s chief financial officer, Holley leads efforts to carry out needed enhancements to accessibility at Ole Miss.
“My operational knowledge will be a contribution to the task force,” he said. “I also will add engagement in discussions about how accessibility needs will evolve in the future.”
Reycraft brings 27 years of experience in higher education, having managed disability issues in all campus environments, including classrooms, physical environments, housing and food services.
“I think having that broad knowledge related to access will enhance discussion around ways Mississippi’s universities can further break down barriers to full participation for students with disabilities,” she said. “I think without a doubt, task force members will generate creative ideas and initiatives to improve access and opportunities for success for this underrepresented population of students.”
Welch will represent the IHL’s President Council on the task force.
“It is an extraordinary opportunity to not only be representing my peers at the University of Mississippi, but to also be representing students from each public institution in Mississippi,” Welch said.