Graduate student to present at national convention Talking about minorities can be difficult without the proper knowledge and understanding. For Liv Parks, graduate student at Missouri State University, talking about minorities is essential to creating an open-minded society and culture. This inspiration led to research that examines the importance of accepting students who don’t identify with the gender norms. Parks, graduate student of student affairs in higher education, and a co-presenter were recently accepted to present their research at the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) National Convention in Tampa, Florida, in early March. The convention is for professionals to collaborate on research and issues in the education field. The study looked at the importance of celebrating students on campus who identify off the gender binary in their research titled, “Trans* and Title IX: Moving from Mandates to Equitable Inclusion.” They came together with the idea to educate individuals on the importance of minorities and provide a space for open dialogue. “I feel extremely lucky and honored,” said Parks. “There were tons of applicants this year and I am lucky enough to have a dedicated co-presenter who is just as passionate about this topic as me. This is not an opportunity that comes around frequently and it really is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.” Parks hopes the presentation will educate people about what transformative inclusion for students looks and feels like. Parks also hopes it will help individuals return to their organizations and work collaboratively with other professionals to create and adapt policies. “I hope we are able to provide our peers with the knowledge to create cultures that welcome and celebrate people of minority identities,” said Parks. Parks has loved every minute of student life at Missouri State and believes that the culture and environment at the university have helped in the construction of this research project. “Missouri State has been my home since I was a first-year student in college and it has never lost significance since that first day,” said Parks. “It’s where I've grown up, met my life-long friends and established my self-identities.” After graduation, Parks plans to further the research and the environment that has been created at Missouri State. “I hope to secure a wonderful full-time position at a campus that empowers its students with all minority identities,” said Parks. “I want to spend my time working towards making college the most rewarding experience for students as possible.” By Blake Miller, University Communications public relations intern