University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

Goal 4

Promote Diversity and Inclusion

The College is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and all individuals can fulfill their highest potential. Respect for diversity of thought, culture, and all human differences is a cornerstone of the land-grant philosophy. To fulfill its mission, the College must model the ways in which diversity, fairness, and equity in policies and practices facilitate learning, discovery and engagement. We seek to sustain an institutional climate wherein differences are valued, we create work and learning environments wherein every person has opportunities to achieve their highest potential, and we support an inclusive institution responsive to the needs of all students, staff, faculty and citizens.

Most Significant Challenges

  •  The College has yet to achieve targets in most areas. Diversity remains unacceptably limited in many departments and program areas.  
  • At the faculty level, both gender and racial diversity are inadequate. Only four African-American faculty members have been hired in five years.  
  • While substantial efforts are being made to hire and retain county agents from under-represented groups, progress remains slow.

Strategies

  • Continue to strive for full implementation of the College of Agriculture Diversity Review and Planning Task Force Report.
  • Review and report annually on the progress towards addressing recommendations of the College of Agriculture Diversity Review and Planning Task Force.
  • Review, evaluate, and optimize resources and operations of the Office of Diversity in support of recruitment and retention.
  • Establish a network of partners with 1890 land grant universities for recruitment of students, faculty, and staff.
  • Sustain and expand the extension internship program and add support for other summer programs targeted for potential undergraduate students from under-represented groups.
  • Maintain the number of doctoral students receiving College matching funds for Lyman T. Johnson Graduate Fellowship support.

Key Indicators, by 2014 the College will have:

  1. Increased the percentage of enrolled undergraduate students from underrepresented groups from 9% in 2007 to 14% in 2014.
  2. Increased the percentage of enrolled graduate students from underrepresented groups from 7% in 2007 to 9% in 2014.
  3. Completed County Program/Civil Rights Reviews for each of 120 counties, including development of Affirmative Action Plans.
  4. Increased the percentage of female faculty to 30%.