Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A land-grant institution
Diversity Programs
The Dean on Diversity in the College
Sharron Quisenberry
An increasingly globalized world demands of all of us to become multiculturally proficient to achieve and act with moral courage in a fast-changing, interdependent environment. As a college where learning, discovery, and engagement involve students, faculty, and staff but also the communities and world around us, we have the unique opportunity to help shape this world and provide an education and work place that instill the fundamental values of respect for diversity in all of us.
We are committed to diversity and to fostering an academic environment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences that welcomes and supports students, staff, and faculty alike. Our goal is to offer learning and working environments that foster creativity as well as innovation and celebrate diversity. Acceptance, inclusion, and an even playing field for everyone in the college are the foundation for this goal. Studies confirm that the learning and working environment matters greatly. Indeed, the key to success for students, staff, and faculty retention is their feeling of inclusion and accomplishment.
We are excited to continue our work as a college community towards a supportive academic and professional environment, fully cognizant of individual differences and committed to empowering each individual to fulfill his or her potential for academic and professional excellence within our college community as well as for individual development. Every one of us plays an important role in planning, implementing, and realizing our goals. We can do no less if we hope to strengthen the fabric of our college for a changing, dynamic future.
Sincerely,
Sharron Quisenberry, Dean