ASU recognized for supplier diversity leadership

The Pacific Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council named Arizona State University its 2013 Corporation of the Year for its supplier diversity leadership. ASU has been working with the council since 1993 when it was known as the Grand Canyon Minority Supplier Development Council.

The council’s 20th annual awards luncheon was held June 3 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Morgan R. Olsen, ASU executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer attended the luncheon and accepted the award.

“I am grateful to accept this award on behalf of ASU,” Olsen said. “This award emphasizes the university’s continued commitment to working with minorities and small businesses."

Chester "Chet" Yancy is the ASU small business and diversity program manager and the current council board chairman. He gave an address during the June 3 awards event.

“We are proud of Chet’s leadership within the the council and also within ASU’s procurement efforts,” Olsen added.

Yancy will play an important role in planning a future "doing business with ASU" training track in partnership with the council. In addition, ASU procurement regularly hosts the council holiday reception in December and is a routine sponsor of other important council events.

The council covers Arizona and San Diego County and is a regional affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc., which is headquartered in New York City. The National Minority Supplier Development Council's mission is to “advance business opportunities for certified Asian, Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises and connect them to corporate members.”