Provost Diversity Fellows Get Valuable Advice

On October 7, the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement hosted a Provost Diversity Fellows Panel and Welcome Reception. The five Diversity Fellows panelists represented a wide range of schools and departments: Kahlil Dozier (SEAS), Kevonyah Edwards (School of Social Work), Demi Fortson, (Department of Biological Sciences in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences), Shin Oblander (Business School), and Eric Mazariegos (Department of Art History and Archaeology in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences). Celina Chatman Nelson, Associate Dean for Academic Diversity and Inclusion at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, moderated the discussion.

As the program welcomes scholars from underrepresented groups, many of whom are first-generation, the panelists stressed the importance of finding their community here at Columbia while maintaining relationships with friends and family back home. The speakers also noted that a self-care practice and a healthy work/life balance were essential for success in their doctoral studies.

The post-panel reception offered Provost Diversity Fellows, Bridge scholars, and Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellows the opportunity to connect with their peers from across the University over food and drink.

To learn more about the Provost Diversity Fellows program, please visit their website.
Meet the fellows here.