Campus Diversity Award

The Campus Diversity Award is presented to adjunct or full-time faculty members for their outstanding contributions to the spirit of diversity on the West Chester University campus. This includes individual programs, research programs, and/or long-term contributions through which faculty members assist the community in understanding and appreciating our differences and to create an inclusive and respectful environment. An individual or a group of faculty members working on the same project may apply.

Award

Reimbursement of fees related to a diversity-focused conference (Up to $2,000 reimbursement)

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a current adjunct or full-time, tenured or tenure-track West Chester University faculty member at the time of the application and the award presentation.
  • The applicant must be an active faculty members, not only at the time of the submission of the application, but at the time that he/she will be attending the diversity conference.
  • Any person who wins this award must wait at least three years to be nominated again.

Application Process

  • Applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by members of the WCU faculty or administration.
  • The application consists of the following:
    • Cover Sheet
    • Nomination letter from another faculty member or administrator addressing the evaluation criteria listed below (if self-nominating, skip), or
    • Application letter from self-nominee addressing the evaluation criteria listed below (if self-nominating).
    • A letter of support from the nominee/applicant’s college dean(s).
    • A summary of the nominee/applicant’s contributions to the campus written by the nominee/applicant (not to exceed 4 double-spaced pages). This summary should specifically address the evaluation criteria listed below.
    • Curriculum vitae of the nominee/applicant (not to exceed 5 single-spaced pages).

Nomination deadline is February 13, 2026.

Submit the application as a PDF attachment to Ms. Megan Fahey at mfahey@wcupa.edu

Evaluation Criteria

Nominations are to be evaluated and recommended by the Academic Recognition Committee and approved by the provost. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Demonstration of how the program or body of work has had an institutional impact as it relates to diversity and inclusion on the WCU campus.
  • Degree of inclusion of other stakeholders on campus (students, other faculty, staff, administration) to the program or body of work.
  • Other forms of recognition of the quality/impact of the program (awards, demonstrations of support or recognition from any other sources).

Award Presentation

Award is announced in May and presented in November at the Faculty Service, Retirement & ARC Awards Luncheon.

Previous Awardees

Katherine Norris - 2021

Justin Sprague - 2022

Zeinab Baba - 2023

Jessica Sowa - 2024

Stevie Grassetti - 2025