GFCB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

GFCB DEI

INCLUSION

OUR GOAL is to provide a quality business education and applied experiences for our students while ensuring a transparent culture of inclusion and impact.

GFCB DEI STATEMENT

The Gordon Ford College of Business is dedicated to cultivating a work and learning environment that embraces diversity of thought, equity of policies, inclusive practices, and a sense of belonging to lead the changing landscape of business. Essential to who we are and how we function are the notions of preparedness and connectedness which we intend to instill in our graduates and promote for our faculty and staff regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, or background. WE ARE GFCB.

Aware of the needs of our students to function in an increasingly diverse community to become inclusive members of society, both within the United States and throughout the world, the Gordon Ford College of Business is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging within the College.

DEI (AB) STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

We have strategically developed measurable goals with the hope our initiatives will aid in building a welcoming community of inclusion for our stakeholders of the college.

OUR COMMUNITY

Provide opportunities to listen and learn
Promote interactions and interdisciplinary collaborations with community members.

OUR STUDENTS

Be a source of support for all students through various mechanisms.
Assist student organizations in DEIB efforts

OUR FACULTY/STAFF

Build a culture of inclusion for all
Support Faculty/Staff in DEI efforts
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement internally

OUR CURRENT INITIATIVES

INCLUSION
We are GFCB!

With a refocused comprehensive approach to diversity and inclusion matters, GFCB strives to advance the University's commitment to DEI. Aligned with the diversity statement adopted by the GFCB DEI Committee, we hope to engage both internal and external stakeholders to advance our goals by offering opportunities and resources alike.

ADVANCING WORKPLACE CULTURE

Our Advancing Workplace Culture (AWC) Initiative meets the needs of community and member partners by bridging the gap with offerings such as external trainings and sessions on various topics related to DEI in the workplace from a business-leaning perspective. More information about AWC offerings will be forthcoming.

GFCB STUDENT DEI COMMITTEE

Built as an extension to the GFCB DEI Committee, the Student DEI Committee was created organically by students who are passionate about DEI. This group helps lend a student voice to efforts within the College.In its initial stages, if you are a student and interested in this work;contact any member of the DEI Committee to gain more information.

GFCB DEI LEADERSHIP

Aquesha Daniels, J.D.

Director of Inclusion and Impact

Dr. Daniels leads and shapes the vision, strategy and direction of diversity and inclusion programs in the College, and works collaboratively across WKU and with external partners. Additionally, she provides oversight of the College's DEI strategic goals and objectives.

Mariah Yates, Ph.D.,

Director of AdvancingWorkplace Culture Initiative

Dr. Yates assumed the role to lead our newly created Advancing Workplace Culture Initiative in August 2021. AWC will offer local businesses and leaders trainings and workshops on various topics related to developing a balanced workplace culture.

Heather Glass

DEI Committee Chair

Heather Glass leads our DEI Committee which consists of both faculty and staff along with a newly formed Student DEI Committee who are tasked with implementation of strategic goals identified and set out for the College.

GFCB DEI COMMITTEE MEMBERS