Jackson State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), accepted the challenge to transform the overall work climate for women faculty in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and the Social and Behavioral Science (SBS) disciplines. Although women have a definite presence on the campuses of HBCUs, women faculty with backgrounds in the STEM disciplines are disproportionately over-represented in lower faculty ranks and instructor positions, and are notably less visible in lower, middle, and upper administration levels.  This was also true at JSU. JSU has made tremendous  progress in identifying and addressing challenges which exist for female STEM faculty members. However, challenges still exist because of the ongoing gender disparities and the lack of understanding of gender issues at HBCUs.  Therefore, the overall purpose of the JSU ADVANCE program was to enhance the overall work climate for women faculty in the STEM and SBS disciplines, while informing the larger academic community about issues that are relevant to women at HBCUs.  The goals of the JSU ADVANCE program were to:

• • Advance the careers of all women faculty in the STEM and SBS disciplines by reinforcing their career and professional development at JSU in order to increase the number of tenured women at the Associate and Full Professor ranks and in administration at JSU with STEM-SBS backgrounds.

• • Develop and support a network of research and career mentors for women faculty in the STEM-SBS disciplines at JSU.

• • Foster and sustain a climate and culture which seeks the inclusion of all faculty regardless of gender, race, and other target characteristics at the university and in the department.
• • Establish a proactive disposition regarding the assessment of university policies, procedures, and practices, which supports all aspects of diversity and ensures the greatest contributions from all members of the JSU community

Contact Us

Dr. Loretta A. Moore
Professor of Computer Science and JSU ADVANCE PI
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Jackson State University |P.O. Box 18839 |Jackson, MS 39217
(601) 979-2105 (office) | (601) 979-2478 (fax)
loretta.a.moore@jsums.edu

Deidre L. Wheaton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and JSU ADVANCE Senior Personnel
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS 39217
601-979-1164
deidre.l.wheaton@jsums.edu