ADVANCE APPALACHIAN

The Appalachian State University ADVANCE APPALACHIAN project is funded by the National Science Foundation (Award #2017536) and aims to recruit, retain, and promote more women faculty and faculty from underrepresented populations in STEM disciplines at the University. The project builds on the “Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” priority of the Appalachian State University Strategic Plan that focuses on the recruitment, support, and success of students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented populations.

The goals of the ADVANCE APPALACHIAN project include:

1. Creating opportunities for institutional climate change in STEM departments through chair and faculty training

2. Promoting the career success of women STEM faculty by providing professional development resources and mentoring

3. Helping faculty and staff find sustainable work-life resources by creating a new Office of Relocation, Dual Career Support, and Work Life Resources and advocating for work life support on campus.

To enact these goals, the ADVANCE APPALACHIAN team has partnered with the Office of Diversity, the Office of Research, the Office of Human Resources, and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success.