Soledad O'Brien will be on campus Wednesday to kick off the university's Diversity Lecture Series by discussing "Diversity: On TV, Behind the Scenes and in Our Lives." This year's program goal is "to increase inclusion and diversity on campus."

The CNN anchor and special correspondent has been recognized for her work covering the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, as well as giving Hurricane Katrina victims a voice by providing them with video cameras.

"We have a large committee consisting of students, faculty and staff who deliberated about a variety of speakers," Lynette Heard, executive director of the Office of the President, said, "We felt it was important to invite speakers who have a relevant voice to campus… Soledad O'Brien is a wonderful speaker to kick off the series because of her unique role on CNN and reporting on global issues."

The presentation will be at 7:30 p.m. in the KU Ballroom. It is free and open to the public.