Faculty Achievement Award | Diversity and Inclusion
About
"Diversity at WMU encompasses inclusion, acceptance, respect, and empowerment. This means understanding that each individual is unique and that our commonalities and differences make the contributions we have to offer all the more valuable. Diversity includes the dimensions of race, ethnicity, and national and regional origins; sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation; socioeconomic status, age, physical attributes, and abilities; as well as religious, political, cultural, and intellectual ideologies and practices" (Diversity and Multiculturalism Action Plan).
The Faculty Achievement Award in Diversity and Inclusion is presented on an annual basis to College of Arts and Sciences faculty who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at Western Michigan University. Award winners receive a plaque/award and are honored at the college faculty and staff award ceremony held during the spring semester. Winners may be invited to present a lecture, seminar or lunch presentation focused on diversity and inclusion excellence. In addition, award winners receive $1,000, which is deposited into their departmental WRAP account, which can be spent in accordance with university policies for WRAP expenditures.
Deadline for Nominations
Nominations are due February 15 of every academic year while funds are available.
2020 Recipient Information | Dr. Linda Borish
History
During her three decades in the department, Dr. Borish's professional career has centered on issues of diversity and inclusion. Her scholarship, teaching, and service have demonstrated a commitment to the importance of understanding the significance of race, ethnicity, social class, gender, religion, and culture in American society. Scholars consider Dr. Borish the foremost international scholar of Jewish American women in sport. Over her career, she has authored or edited nearly sixty books, book chapters, articles, and encyclopedia entries, most of which have focused on the achievements of Jewish American women in sport. Academic and general audiences have acknowledged her work as executive producer, researcher, and co-script writer for the documentary film, Jewish Women in American Sport: Settlement Houses to the Olympics. Peer reviewers selected the documentary for screenings at six film festivals. In addition to all of these outstanding achievements, Dr. Borish became the first woman officially elected to chair the Department of History at Western Michigan University.
Nominee Eligibility
All current, continuing board-appointed persons with faculty rank are eligible to receive this award unless they have received a faculty achievement award in the same category within the last five years.
Award Selection Criteria
An accumulated record of outstanding achievement in diversity, equity and inclusion, rather than a single act of service, project or event, as a CAS faculty member at Western Michigan University.
Exemplary commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as expressed through research and creative activity; teaching; mentoring; curriculum transformation; or a combination of achievements in these areas.
Required Nomination Materials
- Complete the nomination web form below.
A detailed statement from the nominator indicating the nominee’s accomplishments and how they relate to the selection criteria for this award.
Nominee’s most recent resume or curriculum vita.
A maximum of two brief supporting letters addressing how the nominee’s accomplishments embody the selection criteria for this award.
Any supporting documents or evidence demonstrating the nominee’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion as stated in the criteria for this award.
Submit a Nomination
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact the College of Arts and Sciences dean's office with any questions or concerns.