University Diversity & Social Transformation Professorship
The University Diversity & Social Transformation Professorship at the University of Michigan (U-M) is a distinguished recognition that pays tribute to the enduring legacy of faculty commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
This prestigious professorship honors senior faculty members who, throughout their careers, have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the University's DEI ideals through their outstanding scholarship, teaching, and/or service and engagement.
The professorship holds a place of distinction among other esteemed U-M professorships, such as the Thurnau, Collegiate, and Distinguished University Professorships. It is reserved exclusively for individuals who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in their fields.
With a dual purpose in mind, the professorship serves to recognize exceptional senior U-M faculty who have made significant contributions to DEI at the University of Michigan and beyond. Additionally, it aims to attract outstanding senior faculty from other institutions who have also made noteworthy impacts on DEI at their respective institutions and beyond.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the University Diversity and Social Transformation Professorships are jointly administered by the U-M National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID) and the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI). This collaborative effort ensures the selection and recognition of deserving individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing DEI and fostering transformative change within academic communities.
Professorship Features
Award for Research and Professional Development: Faculty members appointed as University Diversity & Social Transformation Professors (UDSTPs) will hold this esteemed title for the duration of their tenure at the University of Michigan. To support their scholarly and professional endeavors, the Provost's Office will grant each UDSTP $20,000 annually for the first five years of their appointment. These funds can be utilized to facilitate various activities related to their research and professional growth.
NCID Faculty Fellow Status: Throughout the initial five-year term of the professorship, UDSTPs will also be designated as faculty fellows at the National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID). As NCID faculty fellows, they will engage in structured activities, such as brown bag sessions and workshops, fostering a vibrant community and promoting collaboration among other UDSTPs, NCID faculty fellows, postdoctoral scholars, and students.
During their appointment, the faculty fellows will spend at least one semester as a resident faculty fellow at NCID. During this period, they will be relieved of all teaching and administrative responsibilities at the University, allowing them to focus solely on their goals pertaining to scholarship, teaching, and/or service engagement. Additionally, they will have access to NCID's administrative resources and other center facilities to support their activities as a resident faculty fellow.
NCID Faculty Fellow-in-Residence: In order to enhance the scholarly engagement and leadership of the faculty members as UDSTPs and NCID faculty fellows, the school or college nominating them is expected to provide a semester-long leave from teaching and administrative duties (equivalent to 50% of their annual teaching effort) within the first two years of their professorship. This additional contribution should be in addition to any accrued sabbatical leave, administrative leave, or course release offered as part of the regular faculty hiring and negotiation process within the respective school or college unit.