BSU Joins Diverse STEM Initiative

(photo courtesy Ball State University)

Ball State University is joining a nationwide, three-year institutional change effort to create inclusive STEM faculty recruitment, hiring and retention processes. As part of Aspire: The National Alliance for Inclusive & Diverse STEM Faculty, Ball State will join 20 other universities.

The Aspire Alliance aims to increase inclusive teaching practices within STEM areas and to help institutions to increase the diversity of their STEM faculty.

Under the alliance, universities first complete a self-assessment of current practices. The institutions will then develop and implement campus action plans to cultivate a more diverse culture across STEM programs.

 “We are lifted by our enduring value of inclusiveness — a commitment to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in all people, in all perspectives, in all ideas, and in all opinions,” said Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns.  “At the heart of our strategic goal is our commitment to recruit, to support, and to retain a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

“Partnering with APLU and the other universities will enhance our efforts to foster inclusiveness, especially in the STEM fields. This initiative will help meet the need for more STEM professionals in Indiana and beyond. More importantly, it is the right thing to do.”