Initiative Goals

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Numerous studies, including those from The Education Trust and the Southern Regional Education Board, cite the positive impact and benefits of a diverse faculty on college success and degree completion for students of color. A higher representation of diverse faculty members enables them to find a greater sense of belonging on campus and to discover the confidence they need to succeed in and outside the classroom.

All students benefit from different views, values, and perspectives. When faculty diversity is intentionally sought after, enhanced, and promoted, colleges and universities can truly build an equitable campus environment and prepare students for the global world they will inherit.

To that end, Braboy Jackson’s responsibilities with Faculty and Belonging include several key focus areas:

  • Recruiting and retaining underrepresented faculty, particularly faculty of color
  • Consulting with campus liaisons and academic units on faculty recruitment and retention efforts
  • Assisting in creating web-based resources that showcase campus communities as welcoming places to live and work
  • Developing and presenting programming and workshops that address the specific needs of individual units, schools, and campuses
  • Evaluating and recommending enhancements to faculty-to-faculty mentorship programs and executive leadership training programs
  • Pairing faculty with senior mentors and providing follow-up support
  • Identifying practices and opportunities to strengthen faculty inclusion and cohesion through new and existing means and IU-internal collaborations
  • Accommodating requests to meet with individual faculty, faculty affinity groups, and others to build community and networks of support

It is imperative that our students have access to world-class teachers and researchers from multiple perspectives. AVP Jackson’s leadership and experience in community building will be key to a more diverse campus environment that supports equal access, participation, and representation on all IU campuses.

Pamela Whitten, President, Indiana University