Multicultural Programs - History

Purdue University prides itself on being a world-class institution and strives to "Promote human and intellectual diversity by providing equal access and opportunity to representatives of a rich variety of populations and cultures." As outlined in its five-year strategic plan unveiled in 2001, Purdue University has promised that it strives to, in the coming years, recruit and retain diverse faculty and staff, recruit and retain a talented and diverse student body, and enhance "human and intellectual diversity" among student, faculty, staff, and administrators. Yet the School of Pharmacy's dedication to diversity began long before this strategic plan was unveiled; it began to look seriously at its own diversity commitment in 1987.

"When I became Dean of the School of Pharmacy in 1987, I noticed that most of our students came from small towns in Indiana," said former Dean Charles "Chip" Rutledge. "These towns did not have a diverse population. In addition, there were few under-represented minority students in the Pre-Pharmacy program and even fewer in the School of Pharmacy. On the other hand, our graduates would be in a work place that served all populations, and it seemed important to have our graduates mirror the populations they serve in ethnicity."

The first approach was the formation of a faculty committee on Affirmative Action, later renamed the Minority Advocacy Committee. The Minority Advocacy Committee is composed of faculty, staff, and graduate students. The committee assumes a leadership role in identifying strategies and takes an active role in implementation of initiatives to increase diversity in the School. Committee members address the concerns of students and assist as needed. Members of the Advocacy Committee serve on each screening and selection committee in the College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences as well.

The School then also formed an Advisory Council of Pharmacy composed of Purdue graduates from under-represented minority populations, primarily African American. This group is now the Minority Advocacy Council and continues to assume its role in providing leadership and guidance to the School in regard to diversity initiatives. Council members meet biannually to review progress, consult with the program director, and meet with students. In meeting with students, members share experiences but also serve as role models - as the students often say after meeting with Council members, "they did it, we can do it." Students have a tremendous amount of pride and respect for the alumni.

The Minority Advocacy Committee with Dr. Martin Jiscke, in 2005

The Minority Advocacy Council determined during early discussions that it was necessary to create a program to increase representation of under-represented minorities enrolled in the Pre-Pharmacy and professional program of study in the School of Pharmacy. In 1992, the School recruited Jackie Jimerson from the Office of the Dean of Students where she served as Assistant Dean of Students/Associate Director, HORIZONS Student Support program, to direct the newly formed Office of Minority Programs, which has since been renamed the Office of Multicultural Programs. Multicultural Programs provide activities and experiences impacting the academic, personal, and professional development of students.

Several components - all optimized to support the specific needs of the target populations within the School of Pharmacy - have been implemented since the program's inception. These initiatives include:

• Minority Student/Parent 'Day on Campus' Experience
• Pre-semester Programs (i.e. Math ExCEL, Project ExCELLENCE)
• Study Skill Seminars
• Dean's Employment Program
• High School Recruitment Experience
• Summer Employment Opportunities
• Professional Development Experiences
• Transition Programs, and Community Outreach Programs.

All of the planning, leadership, initiatives, and professional support of the Office of Multicultural Programs lends itself to creating an environment that is inviting, nurturing, and productive. The Program is successful because of the commitment to building a community that values inclusiveness. In order to build such a community among students, faculty, staff, and family, the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) began sponsoring an annual luncheon well before Multicultural Programs even existed. In 1997, as a means of increasing awareness and to provide an opportunity for all to experience the cultures within the minority program, the "Ethnic Luncheon" was born. It's a way of saying thank you to the corporate supporters, family, alumni, faculty and staff who assist and support program efforts and to recognize the academic achievements of Program Students. For many cultures, there is no better way than with food to experience and appreciate what each brings.

Another initiative, which was started by Dean Pezzuto, was the creation of the Dean's Activity Committee, a diverse student group that plans, organizes, and implements activities to increase interactions among faculty, staff, and students. So far, two Super Bowl parties and a number of breakfasts have been held with fantastic turnout for each.