The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded a grant of $249,571 to support the three-year project, “Advancing Women in STEM through Institutional Transformation at Adams State University.” Funded by the NSF ADVANCE IT-Catalyst program, the project aims to increase diversity and gender equity among Adams State’s faculty in the social and behavioral sciences and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics).

The resulting plan will include strategies to improve the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women faculty, and in particular of Latinas. By providing more role models, the program will ultimately inspire more young women to pursue careers in these fields.

“We are committed to building on Adams State University’s history and present commitment to inclusive excellence. This institutional transformation development project supports the goals of our ASU 2020 strategic plan,” said project director Dr. Chris Gilmer, vice president for Academic Affairs. “The resulting plan will help us build a more diverse faculty in STEM and the social and behavioral sciences.”

The project dovetails with work done by Adams State’s Title V projects and CIELO group to address diversity and equity issues. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), the university has been awarded several Title V grants, with five now underway. CIELO is Adams State’s Community for Inclusive Excellence, Leadership & Opportunity.

The ADVANCE project will be devoted to institutional self-assessment, review and revision of university policies and procedures, and implementation of a faculty mentoring initiative. It will identify best practices, share research results, and develop approaches to advancing faculty diversity. Gilmer noted the project’s results will benefit disciplines across campus.

By Julie Waechter