Provost John Z. Kiss of Florida Tech has recently introduced a new initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating activities that promote inclusiveness, diversity, and a sense of belonging within the university community. This initiative aligns with Florida Tech’s mission to provide a high-quality education to a culturally diverse student body, preparing students for success in the global workforce. The university acknowledges the significance of diversity among students, staff, and faculty, and strives to create an inclusive environment that fosters excellence, innovation, and personal growth.
Diversity has been shown to enhance decision-making, drive innovation in research, and contribute to intellectual and professional development. Recognizing the importance of diversity, Provost Kiss’s initiative seeks to highlight and reward efforts that promote and advocate for a campus environment that welcomes diversity, recruit and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds, and provide mentoring and support for underrepresented groups. These activities are expected to reflect the values articulated by the University Diversity Council, which plays a key role in promoting diversity and inclusiveness on campus.
The Provost’s Award for Promoting Inclusiveness and Diversity will be open for nominations from individuals, groups, academic departments, or programs that have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity initiatives. The award will include a plaque and a $1,000 prize to further support diversity efforts in the upcoming academic year. Winners will also have the opportunity to give a public presentation on their initiatives, aiming to inspire and promote similar practices throughout the university community.
To apply for the award, interested parties must submit a nomination packet that includes their name, department, and contact information, a statement describing the proposed activity and its alignment with the university’s mission, a summary of diversity and inclusion initiatives led or participated in within the past five years, and supplemental letters of support or evidence of effectiveness. The selection process will be overseen by a subcommittee of the University Diversity Council, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation of all nominations.
This initiative not only recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusiveness but also encourages ongoing efforts to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the Florida Tech community. By celebrating and rewarding initiatives that promote diversity, Provost Kiss’s initiative aims to inspire further action and commitment to inclusivity, ultimately enriching the university experience for all students, staff, and faculty.
