Strong, active, and visible leadership for diversity, equity, and inclusion allows the university to continually make progress towards our goals. In collaboration with the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer, the College of Letters and Science conducted a search for faculty whose scholarly activity promotes the wellness of underserved communities. This cohort hiring initiative is a part of a university commitment to support MSU’s diverse student body, faculty, and staff. In celebration of MSU’s 130th anniversary, the Office of the President and the Gender Equity Alliance recognized women for their leadership and impacts. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion conducted DEI department self-studies inviting academic units to reflect on their accomplishments and develop plans to ensure that MSU is an increasingly diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution.

College and Dept DEI Committees

As college-level diversity efforts have become more established, we have seen more departments organizing their own DEI committees. These efforts are guided by MSU’s Diversity and Inclusion Framework but define how each department can uniquely advance progress in our priority areas.

Sustainability Summit

Sustainability and equity are intertwined, with marginalized communities being most impacted by environmental harm. The MSU Office of Sustainability invited the community to learn about MSU’s sustainability and carbon neutrality goals at its 2nd annual Sustainability Summit.

Mental Health Support Certificate

This online graduate certificate offers mental health training for professionals in human service-related fields. Coursework is focused on development and helping theories, multicultural and diversity/inclusion education, crisis management and trauma, reducing stigma around mental health, and leadership theory.

Extraordinary Women

During MSU’s 125th anniversary, 125 remarkable women were honored for their significant roles since the university’s founding. Five additional women were recognized for their contributions to MSU on Founders Day 2023, marking 130 years.

 

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people attended the kick-off event for MSU’s first Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in fall of 2022.


6

new faculty members were hired into the College of Letters and Science’s cohort hiring initiative for their teaching, research, and outreach addressing the theme of wellness in underserved communities. This theme directly aligns with the grand challenges stated in MSU’s strategic plan.


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academic departments and programs submitted diversity self-study reports in November 2022 sharing accomplishments and goals for the future.