A new initiative by Provost John Z. Kiss
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – A new initiative from Provost John Z. Kiss will recognize and celebrate activities that exemplify a commitment to improving inclusivity, diversity and belonging at Florida Tech.
The award is consistent with Florida Tech’s mission to provide a culturally diverse student body with a quality education to prepare students for success in the global job market.
The University recognizes the importance of diversity among students, staff and faculty and strives to promote an inclusive environment.
In addition, diversity promotes excellence, innovation in research, intellectual growth, and personal and professional development. Numerous studies have shown that diverse teams make better decisions.
Potential award-winning activities should reflect the values articulated by the University Diversity Council. A subcommittee of the Council will submit a proposal for a winner of this award to the Provost. (Current members of this subcommittee are not eligible to receive the award.)
Examples of recognized efforts include activities to promote and advocate for a campus environment that welcomes diversity, efforts to recruit, retain, and/or professionally develop individuals from diverse backgrounds, and providing mentoring/counseling to students, faculty, or staff from underrepresented groups in an effort to enhance our culture of belonging.
The Provost’s Award for Advancing Inclusion and Diversity may go to an individual, a group, or an academic department or program. The award consists of a plaque and a cash award of $1,000 to be used to further advance diversity initiatives in the 2025–2026 academic year.
The winner(s) will also have the opportunity to showcase their diversity and inclusivity efforts in a public presentation, helping to promote such practices across the university.
Nominations and self-nominations are now being accepted. Application documents should include:
■ Name, department, and contact information of the faculty/staff member(s) applying for the award.
■ A statement describing the proposed activity and how it fits with the University’s mission to promote inclusivity and diversity (maximum 1 page).
■ A summary of the diversity and inclusion initiatives the candidate has led or participated in over the past five years (maximum 5 pages).
■ Additional letters of support or proof of effectiveness can be attached (no page limit).
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