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Friday, March 29, 2024
Patrick Sims

Patrick Sims says UW-Madison attracts many faculty of color, but there is progress to be made in retaining them.

Reception celebrates new and promoted UW-Madison faculty of color

University community members met Wednesday in the Pyle Center for the annual Faculty of Color Reception to celebrate the hiring and promotion of professors of diverse backgrounds. This year, 40 faculty members were promoted and 26 were hired.

Interim Vice Provost of Diversity and Climate Patrick Sims helped organize the event. Sims emphasized the event was not setting faculty of color aside, but honoring them and giving them an opportunity to network.

“In an environment where faculty of color are a very small percentage, sometimes you can feel isolated and alone. So it is a great networking opportunity to see other people doing highly developed research,” Sims said.

According to the Office of Equity and Diversity 2015 Utilization Summary, only 24 percent of UW-Madison faculty are minorities. Sims said he thinks this number can “absolutely” be improved on, but it will be difficult.

“We do a really good job of attracting people [diverse groups.] But we don’t always keep them. We are somewhat challenged given our … predominantly white institution,” Sims said. “We know this is a great place for amazing talent, so others who can offer more lucrative opportunities see us as a poaching ground.”

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Sarah Mangelsdorf used her speaking time to quell any fears of the newly hired and promoted faculty about the budget.

“I want to promise you that we will do everything we can do to help ensure that the institution that all of you choose to come to and build your career remains as strong and as esteemed as it has ever been,” Mangelsdorf said. “I do not intend to have the University of Wisconsin-Madison go downhill on my watch.”

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Darrell Bazzell pointed out that despite the progress made in diversity, there is still “a lot of heavy lifting” left to do.

“We are showing some measurable progress. Having said that though … a lot of work [is] still in front of us really not only to advise the administration,” he said, “but across this institution [to] achieve the inclusive and welcoming environment, and a diverse and engaged workforce for which we all strive.”

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