Wash. U. working to strengthen diversity
By Mark S. Wrighton
For the St. Louis American
Washington University is one of the finest research universities in the nation and, indeed, the world – thanks to the efforts of our faculty and students and with the support of our staff, alumni, trustees and friends in the St. Louis community and beyond. Achievements of the past decade, such as the development of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, are ones we can be proud of that benefit our region and the world.
With the generous support from individuals, corporations and foundations, Washington University has been able to dramatically increase our financial aid endowment, enabling us to attract and support students who would not be able to be here without financial assistance, attract and retain outstanding faculty members, and develop strong infrastructures to support their work. Much has been accomplished.
As the university enters the next phase of its growth, however, it is important to remember the importance of creating and maintaining a strong academic community. Creating a diverse and inclusive academic community is essential to the strength we are striving to achieve.
Washington University has long embraced the value of diversity as a central part of its mission and has made positive strides in its attempt to achieve greater diversity among its faculty, students and administrators. Now, in this early part of the 21st century, as the society we serve rapidly becomes more diverse, our service to that society will be significantly advanced by strengthening the diversity of our institution.
To that end, we have resolved to dedicate the resources and creativity needed to become a leader in strengthening diversity and inclusiveness. This is a long-term commitment with no simple or easy paths to leadership. Through the efforts of the university’s Coordinating Council for Diversity Initiatives, led by Leah Merrifield, special assistant to the chancellor for diversity initiatives, as well as the hard work of all members of the Washington University community, we will quicken the pace of our progress. By working collaboratively, I am confident Washington University will be an improved institution with a faculty, staff, and student body that is enriched by its diversity.
Mark S. Wrighton, Ph.D., is chancellor and professor of chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis.