College Joins Initiative to Increase Faculty Diversity

In an effort to increase the number of scholars of color on college and university faculties, the College has joined the Northeast Consortium for Faculty Diversity. Under this initiative, the College's School of Business will host a dissertation-level graduate student for a year. Known as a dissertation scholar-in-residence, the student will have the opportunity to develop strong relationships with faculty, teach courses, and complete his or her doctoral dissertation. This pilot program could lead to additional scholars being hosted by faculties in other schools.

"Our campus should provide the dissertation scholar with an ideal setting for advanced study," says Don Lifton, associate professor of management and chair of the Department of Business Administration. "The provost's office, in collaboration with the School of Business, will provide the first scholar with a stipend, office space, computer, staff support, and access to our library. In addition, the faculty will warmly welcome the first scholar and provide perspective and insights to help complete the dissertation writing."

Applicants for consortium fellowships must have finished all doctoral work except the dissertation and must give convincing evidence that they can complete the dissertation while at the host campus. Ithaca's provost, acting on recommendations from the dean of the business school and a faculty screening committee, will select an applicant from the pool.

During the course of their stay, dissertation scholars will have opportunities to build relationships with one another and with faculty of color from other consortium campuses. Participating institutions include Colgate University, Middlebury College, Northeastern University, Stonehill College, and the University of Vermont.

"This pilot program is a fine example of our provost's clear commitment to enhancing campus diversity, which is a priority in the College's institutional plan," Lifton says. "In bringing a dissertation scholar to campus, we have the opportunity to broaden our perspectives and to contribute to the academic business discipline by helping diversify its ranks."