CEAT's DEI programs receive the INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine's 2021 Inspiring Program in STEM Award
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | CEAT Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-5831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University has won another honor from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology received the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs from the magazine.
The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). CEAT will be featured, along with 78 other recipients, in the September issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
“We are honored to be recognized and receive this award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine,” said Yokolanda Speight, coordinator of CEAT’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs. “The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology believes diversity, equity and inclusion are about creating and holding space for students to be recognized, valued and heard. We firmly believe that students flourish when they have advocates and allies in their corner providing resources, connections and networking opportunities to assist then in achieving their goals and fullest potential.”
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine cited CEAT for its efforts to support women and underrepresented students interested in careers in engineering, architecture and engineering technology.
CEAT views increasing enrollment, degrees and success for women and underrepresented students as a top priority. In 2017, CEAT Dean Paul Tikalsky and the DEI team developed an action plan to attract, recruit, retain and graduate women and underrepresented students. CEAT partnered with the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering and corporate partner ONEOK to establish a four-year scholarship for underrepresented students. The team also developed new initiatives to support these incoming students.
CEAT’s diversity efforts expanded to increase student engagement through leadership, mentorship and community building. Forming the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Advisory Board provided students a platform to speak to administrators, faculty and peers. The college publishes a monthly article called “Belonging in CEAT” that features an underrepresented CEAT student sharing academic experiences and leadership. Additional efforts were expanding the diverse student organizations from five to nine in less than three years, understanding that representation enriches the community. to provide an inclusive space for students and faculty to connect through sharing their personal stories and research in a casual setting.
These initiatives have provided CEAT students with opportunities to network and be mentored by some of the nation’s leading industry professionals. Through partnerships, monthly “DEI Company Spotlight” events which allowed industry professionals to connect with CEAT students and discuss inclusive leadership. The annual provides female students an opportunity to learn how to succeed in careers previously thought by some to be only for men. An annual DEI Leadership Awards Banquet celebrates the achievements of student leaders and alumni, attracting nearly 200 attendees each year. These industry partnerships have led to many students receiving internships and full-time positions. CEAT’s DEI team developed many new actions to support incoming and existing women and underrepresented students to not only succeed but thrive.
“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
For more information about the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.
About INSIGHT Into Diversity
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today and is known for its annual INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion in higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as explorations of best practices and profiles of exemplary programs. In our Career Center, readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.