Letter from the Director | Spring 2021

Steven Johnson Jr. discusses some of the highlights of the Multicultural Business Scholars Program this academic year.

The Multicultural Business Scholars Program (MBSP) is a unique scholarship and mentoring program that seeks to create opportunities for diverse students to excel academically, professionally, and personally. Through the implementation of intentional interactions, this program caters to holistic student development.

While over the past year, things have looked remarkably different for many of us, I’ve continued to grow even more proud of the various ways program participants resiliently pursue excellence. Throughout this newsletter, you will read stories from our students describing their experiences and sharing their accomplishments. You are encouraged to give attention to each story and to celebrate the amazing work of current scholars.

In this letter, I will focus on a few updates regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the School of Business.

MBSP to celebrate welcoming the 30th program cohort

The MBSP was founded in 1992 by Professor Emerita Renate Mai-Dalton. This year, we welcome our 30th cohort into the program. In its history, the MBSP has served over 300 students, and continues to be a model for other scholarship and mentoring programs across campus. It should be noted that there is a version of the Multicultural Scholars Program in many of the academic units across KU’s campus and over 250 students are involved each year.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as a shared responsibility

The work of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) can touch all areas of an organization. At the KU School of Business, we have prioritized DEIB work in a variety of ways, including the development of internal and external workgroups, expansion of existing DEIB programs, and the introduction of new programs.

In fall 2020, an internal workgroup with membership from faculty and staff was convened. This group was intended to support an existing external DEI taskforce, made up of members from the Dean’s Advisory Board. Collectively, both groups were charged with developing a multi-prong and comprehensive DEI strategy and platform. Recognizing the positive impact of existing DEIB programs, this group worked to evaluate opportunities for program enhancements that would ultimately situate the DEIB portfolio in the KU School of Business as top in class. Regularly scheduled meetings were held throughout the year, and these groups explored development of new initiatives for prospective and current students and alumni.

Recommendations from these groups included expansion of staffing, development of new initiatives, and growth of current programs. As we move into the summer months and prepare for the next academic year, we are excited to see many of these recommendations actualized.

Collaborations across school programs

In spring 2021, the School of Business hosted the Purposeful and Professional Enrichment Excursion (PPEE). The PPEE was a virtual developmental experience created to help attendees learn about the importance and value of professional selling and better understand how diversity, equity and inclusion serve to enhance organizations holistically. This event was hosted by the Professional Selling and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs, and all KU students were welcome to attend.

Throughout the program, attendees were able to hear from keynote speakers who spoke about their industry experiences and participate in a series of 15-minute lectures on a variety of sales and DEI topics. They also joined a networking mixer where they connected with employers, gained industry insights, and learned more about professional opportunities available, such as internships and full-time positions. There were nearly 200 participants at this virtual event. This was one of many new efforts that purposed to highlight diverse experiences and to enhance a culture of inclusion in the School of Business.

Summer Venture in Business continues for the fifth year

The Summer Venture in Business (SVB) is a pre-college summer academy housed in the University of Kansas School of Business for underrepresented ethnic minority students in high school and/or potential first-generation college students who are interested in business.

The goal of this program is to familiarize high school students with aspects of the college experience in and out of the classroom. It will serve as a pipeline program for students to access academic resources and opportunities at KU. In addition to exposing participants to business topics, the SVB aims to equip students with the tools and knowledge for applying to the university, succeeding in college, and prospering in their careers.

The 2021 Summer Venture in Business will be offered in a virtual format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Participants can choose from three dates, with each session planned for 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. CST: Thursday, June 17, Thursday, July 8, and Saturday, July 17. Each SVB session will include an introduction to the School of Business and its student services, a panel with current KU business students, presentations focused on the school’s academic offerings, and a panel and networking mixer with industry professionals.

Opportunities to remain connected

As noted in our program agreement, alumni are encouraged to remain actively engaged with MBSP. This remains true for all alumni, regardless of graduation year. We host a variety of events throughout the year where we request alumni perspectives. Alumni are also invited to share their time and talents as mentors to current students. The Business Career Services offers a mentoring program that bring together those with shared interests and supports students in their early career journeys. Finally, we always accept any financial support you may be willing to offer. As our programs are expanding and we are diligently moving to supporting more students, support of any kind and amount can be beneficial.

Thank you for your continued support of the MBSP, SVB, and other DEIB focused initiatives!

Rock Chalk,
Steven Johnson Jr. (he/him/his)
Assistant Dean Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging