Diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation and success. The UW is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive culture in which every student can benefit and thrive, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, economic background, sexual orientation, physical disability, or nation of origin. And so, the Diversity and Climate Fund was born.
In January, the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA) announced that Dr. Anju Reejhsinghani had accepted the role of assistant vice provost for strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion administration. “I am honored to begin this important role at DDEEA,” shares Reejhsinghani. “At this critical juncture in our nation’s and our campus’s history, I am excited to join this dynamic division in helping to bring about much-needed institutional change.”
Because of your annual contributions, the university’s initiatives are succeeding. Your generosity has helped increase the share of faculty of color from 17 to 23 percent. The retention rate for underrepresented domestic students of color is 95.9 percent, the highest it’s ever been. And the freshmen class of 2020 included 989 underrepresented students of color, up 19.8 percent over the previous year, which is one of every eight freshmen.
The UW values all voices and wants to empower future Badgers while also honoring the past. It created the Raimey-Noland Campaign, named for the earliest known Black scholars to graduate from the university, to foster a more equitable college experience. Launched in March 2021, this campaign will build a more hospitable and diverse campus community as well as support research in the areas of social and racial injustice. We look forward to extending the legacy of Mabel Watson Raimey 1918 and William Smith Noland 1875 and opening doors for future leaders.