FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2016, 8:00 a.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402.872.2429
 

Peru, Nebraska- Peru State College professor of criminology, Dr. Kelly Asmussen, spoke to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) Institute for Ethnic Studies on April 6.  The colloquium featured Asmussen and four other panelists on the topic of “Ex-Cons, Diversity and the Responsibility of the University.”

The Institute for Ethnic Studies offers regular panels of UNL faculty members discussing issues relevant to current events and to their own research.  Occasionally guest speakers are sought to provide insight into particular topics.

Asmussen said, “This was a wonderful discussion.  My research on the intersection of college students, diversity and current and former convicts was well received.”

Dr. Joy Castro, Director of the Institute for Ethnic Studies, said, "The problems of mass incarceration and the disproportionate numbers of people of color who are imprisoned have been a focus of our colloquia at the Institute for Ethnic Studies for three years now, and we were very glad to have Dr. Asmussen's perspective included on the panel this year.  His outstanding work with prisoners is a pivotal and hopeful intervention during a grim time."

Other panelists included Fran Kaye, professor of English at UNL, Grant Tiejen, assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice at St. Ambrose University; Clint Robinson, student at UNL; and Raymon Ramirez, manager of diversity and community outreach with UNL admissions.

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For more information, visit www.peru.edu or call 1-800-742-4412.

About Peru State College: Nestled in the historic hills of the Missouri River, the “Campus of a Thousand Oaks" is Nebraska’s oldest college and will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary in 2017.  Peru State College’s constant commitment to academic excellence has resulted in a unique and innovative mix of online, traditional, undergraduate and graduate programs.  Similarly, the college's ongoing student engagement promotes inquiry, discovery and innovation on-campus and across the region.  Peru State College is committed to being a good steward of education, students, the region and Nebraska for another 150 years.