(DePaul University/Arille Toub)
As noted in the new strategic plan, "Grounded in Mission: The Plan for DePaul 2024," the university is committed to cultivating an engaging, diverse and inclusive campus community for everyone. In support of that commitment, DePaul has launched the Presidential Fellows program. Set to begin next academic year,
applications for the program will be accepted until Nov. 1, 2018.
The Presidential Fellows program provides an opportunity for faculty to work with President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., to research and develop innovative activities and practices on diversity and inclusion, with a focus on the recruitment, retention and success of diverse faculty, staff and students.
“The Presidential Fellow will assist the university in implementing DePaul’s diversity and inclusion commitments as outlined in Grounded in Mission,” says Liz Ortiz, vice president of the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity. “This is an exciting opportunity for a faculty member who wants to engage diversity at an institutional level, combining their research interests with practical applications that directly benefit the DePaul community.”
The Presidential Fellows program is open to any tenured faculty member with an expressed interest in working on diversity and inclusion-related topics, research and program innovation. One fellow will be chosen each year for a one-year appointment, with an option for a half-year appointment.
The work of each fellow will vary. Research areas may include internal and external diversity and inclusion, diversifying and further development of the curriculum, and best practices on recruitment and retention in higher education. In addition to this research and collaboration with the president on diversity initiatives, the fellow will complete an action plan for the term of their appointment.
“As stated in the strategic plan, ‘In all we do, we recognize that meaningful inclusion of diverse voices strengthens our teaching, research, service and outreach,’” says Steve Stoute, chief of staff for DePaul, on what the Presidential Fellows program means for the university.
To apply, candidates must complete
the online application by Thursday, Nov. 1, submit a letter of interest with two references and receive approval from their dean. The successful candidate will be announced early in the winter 2019 quarter.