ComArtSci announces thematic faculty hire: Advancing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

The College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University announced a multi-position thematic hire to address topics related to race, ethnicity, gender, and/or social inequalities in communication, with plans to hire five faculty over two years.  

As part of its 2021-2026 Strategic Plan: Empowering individuals, enriching communities, ComArtSci is seeking scholar-teachers whose research, teaching, and/or service seek to address systemic inequities and who will advance the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal of the thematic hire is to grow ComArtSci’s collaborative network of scholars focused on communication and disparities across a broad range of subdisciplines, bringing together new hires and existing faculty experts.  

“This thematic hire is critical to the success of ComArtSci,” said Prabu David, dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. “We have a long tradition of research and creative works that shine a light on disparities in communication, such as unequal access to digital skills or biased media representations. With these new faculty, we can expand our research impact across several areas of the communication arts and sciences.” 

"This thematic hire will significantly improve our ability to advance DEI both in the College and beyond,” said Lauren Gaines McKenzie, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ComArtSci. “We are excited for every opportunity to affirm our commitment to DEI in meaningful ways that make a difference.” 

Learn more about ComArtSci’s thematic hire, as well as additional college priorities during the next five years, in its Strategic Plan.