The Faculty Development program, led by UW Sociology professor Alexes Harris, has worked to diversify the faculty ranks at UW to fit within the Race and Equity Initiative that the University launched in 2015. This year, UW welcomes its most diverse faculty cohort, including Jelani Ince, assistant professor of Sociology, who sought out the UW to launch his faculty career because of the university’s reputation for forward-facing research that’s connected to community.
“We have created this program because we cannot be an excellent university without a racially and ethnically diverse faculty,” said Harris, the UW Presidential Term Professor and special assistant to the provost. “We cannot just hire diverse faculty, but we need to fully support our colleagues of color and ensure our community is a space where everyone can flourish, particularly at a predominantly white university.”
New faculty are paired with a mentor from their academic unit. They attend workshops and discussions to provide supportive spaces to build community, network, and foster professional development.
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