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UPDATE - NEW OPPORTUNITY!
PCDI Programming and Support Fund to Assist with Diversity Work
The President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion (PCDI) is pleased to announce the creation of the Programming and Support Fund to provide financial support aimed at strengthening and promoting diversity. Departments, programs, and student organizations may submit proposals on a rolling basis. Proposals may not exceed $1000 and cannot cross the June 30/July 1 fiscal year. Those interested in seeking support should recognize the late date of the current fiscal year when submitting proposals. Proposal that may be implemented in a timely manner are requested. Salaries of employees and students, as well as awards, may not be covered by the funds. Regular Murray State spending regulations are applicable. Guidelines for the Programming and Support Fund, inclusive of project examples, proposal evaluation criteria, and other stipulations, may be downloaded here. Questions may be directed to msu.pcdi@murraystate.edu. By providing financial support to turn ideas into reality, Murray State is leveraging the innovation of our departments, programs, and student organizations to improve the campus climate for diversity.
Purpose and Charge
As the Commonwealth of Kentucky progresses toward a Statewide Diversity Plan model, Murray State must also move forward to broaden and deepen our diversity efforts across the MSU campuses. The University cannot rest on its accomplishments in this vein.
Building upon the wonderful start Murray State University’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Diversity and African American Priorities provided, it was necessary to transition that group from a special purpose, somewhat ad hoc body, into a permanent and standing governance body that will be housed within the President's Office: the MSU President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.
This body has wide-ranging leadership responsibility for planning, developing, improving and evaluating Murray State University's overall diversity efforts across all areas of campus endeavor. The President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion worked toward the creation of Murray State University’s own Campus Diversity Plan taking into consideration the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Statewide Diversity Plan and has transitioned toward implementation and oversight of the Murray State University Diversity Plan.
Membership
Dr. Sonya Baker*, Asst. Dean/Professor, College of Humanities and Fine Arts/Department of Music
Mr. S.G. Carthell, Director, African American Student Services and Ethnic Programs
Dr. Brian Clardy, Assistant Professor, Department of History
Mr. Jody Cofer, Program Specialist, Undergraduate Research Scholarly Activity
Ms. Cami Duffy, Interim Director, Equal Opportunity
Ms. Charletter Ellis, Executive Assistant, Mid-America Remote Sensing Center
Mr. Joe Hedges, Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Mass Communications
Dr. Peggy Pittman-Munke, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, Criminal Justice and Gerontology
Dr. Don Robertson, Vice President, Student Affairs
Ms. Doris Saunders, Coordinator, K-TAP
Dr. Luis Canales, Director, Institute For International Studies
Dr. Robin Zhang, Associate Professor, Science Engineering and Technology
Ms. Mi-Gyeong Gwak, Student Representative
Mr. Kyle Fitts, Student Representative
Dr. Randy Dunn**, President
Dr. Joshua Jacobs**, Chief of Staff, Office of the President
* designates Chair
** ex-officio
Contact the PCDI
Email address: pcdi@murraystate.edu
Meeting Schedule
Meetings are currently scheduled on an ad hoc basis by the Co-chairs. For further information please contact the PCDI at pcdi@murraystate.edu.
Diversity Definition:
Diversity, as a concept, describes an inclusive community of people with varied human characteristics, ideas, and world views related, but not limited, to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, color, creed, national origin, age, disabilities, socio-economic status, life experiences, geographical region, or ancestry. Diversity in concept expects the creation by institutions of a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment that honors and respects those differences.
The MSU Diversity Plan
In an effort to create a strong and proactive Diversity Plan, the President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion hosted open forums and meetings on campus to discuss diversity in the Murray State community. On August 26, 2011 the Board of Regents received the Murray State University Diversity Plan approved the plan in principle. The Board further charge the President to develop a plan for implementation consistent with the University's normal operating procedures, as well as provide a progress report annually. The Diversity Plan is available for download.
Statewide Diversity Policy
Kentucky Public Postsecondary Education Diversity Policy and Framework for Institution Diversity Plan Development is available for download.
President’s Award for Diversity and Inclusion
The President is pleased to present the President's Award for Diversity and Inclusion in recognition of extraordinary efforts by Murray State University (MSU) faculty and professional staff. The purpose of the award is to recognize institutional change agents who foster success for historically underrepresented populations, work through a lens of appreciation for diversity and advance an inclusive community for all at MSU. The award guidelines are now available for download. Please note nomination deadline is the 3rd Tuesday of February. Contact the President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion with questions.