Accepting educational responsibility for an inclusive university campus: The impact of the diversity ambassador program

Abstract

This investigation explored the benefits of a 4-year voluntary diversity professional development program for over 200 faculty and staff in an urban, private university. The research team engaged institutional stakeholders to examine, reflect, and expand a platform for research, practice, and policy centered on issues of diversity. The researchers investigated ways in which the diversity program impacted the institutional climate. Mixed-methods combined quantitative measurements of staff and faculty perspectives on growth through diversity professional development and qualitative analysis of perceptions of the programmatic impact. Findings indicate significantly increased commitment as a community to advocacy, personal and professional development, and creating a university-wide inclusive campus climate. This information will assist educators seeking more inclusive campuses through diversity professional development initiatives.