Giving the first report of the college’s new diversity committee, Alka Harriger told the October Dean’s Forum audience that there is a lot of work to be done. “We need to correct the perception and messages that tell underrepresented populations that they can’t or don’t want to be a part of our programs,” she said. “Everyone should feel like they are welcome and a valued part of the College of Technology.” During this first year of existence, the committee will focus on two broad topics: developing awareness and appreciation for diversity, and recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff. The diversity committee has identified several ideas where they feel immediate impacts can be made:
- Host a “Celebrate Diversity” event in early December for the entire college
- Enhance the college's public spaces to make them more welcoming of a diverse population
- Improve the college's diversity web site and make it easier to find
While these initial steps are undertaken, the committee will continue to analyze retention data, the effectiveness of current programs, and assistantships and scholarships. They also will work with departments on their diversity and mentoring plans. “There’s a lot of work to be done,” Harriger said. “Improved diversity is everyone’s responsibility and opportunity. Everyone should feel like they have contributions they can make in the area of diversity.” See Harriger's full presentation as part of the Dean's Forum (Windows Media video - one hour). Members of the diversity committee, including at least two representatives from each department, are:
- Bev Davis, Technology Leadership & Innovation
- Rose Delong-Bolyard, Aviation Technology
- Shirl Donaldson, graduate student
- Jeff Evans, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
- Alka Harriger, Computer and Information Technology
- Brad Harriger, Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Latryce Jenkins, Minority Technology Association member
- Mary Johnson, Aviation Technology
- Courtney Kelso, Women in Technology member
- Daphene Koch, Building Construction Management
- Hank Kraebber, Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Greg Lasker, Building Construction Management
- Donzel Leggett, alumnus
- Alejandra Magana, Computer and Information Technology
- Jamie Mohler, Interim Associate Dean
- Toni Munguia, Diversity Director
- Marvin Sarapin, Computer Graphics Technology
- Mitch Springer, Technology Leadership & Innovation
- Raji Sundararajan, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
- Renee Thomas, Purdue Black Cultural Center
Departmental diversity coordinators:
- Aviation Technology: Bernard Wulle
- Building Construction Management: Daphene Koch
- Computer Graphics Technology: Craig Miller
- Computer and Information Technology: Alka Harriger
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology: Raji Sundararajan
- Mechanical Engineering Technology: Mark French
- Technology Leadership & Innovation: Chad Laux