Updated at 3:45 p.m. CDT May 6, 2005

Addressing diversity in creative, meaningful and aggressive ways will be key in attracting more diverse faculty and staff for the College of Human Sciences, said a dean candidate for the college on Friday.

Cheryl Achterberg, founding dean of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University, spoke to an audience of 23 faculty members and two graduate students during an open forum in Catt Hall. The College of Human Sciences will be a new college, housing the programs and departments of the former Education and Family and Consumer Sciences colleges.

“Diversity is the fuel by which this college will drive energy and ideas for staff and students,” Achterberg said. “Diversity has tremendous power, which needs to be capitalized, explored and integrated into the college.”

Achterberg described three areas in which diversity is needed in the College of Human Sciences — faculty and students, curriculum and ideas.

Susan Carlson, associate provost, said keeping and recruiting diverse faculty is a key factor for the college.

“Recruitment for diversity never stops, it is an ongoing activity. Success depends on perseverance,” Achterberg said. “We need to build an environment where people trust and feel safe and where they want to be a part of it.”

Nancy Evans, professor of educational leadership and policy studies, agreed but said it is challenging to create an environment that is welcoming and supporting.

“We need to find out what people need and work with people here to provide it. People need to be able to connect with each other,” Achterberg said

Achterberg also addressed curriculum, focusing on bringing together various departments to generate and teach different perspectives.

“It is extremely important to do multidisciplinary work,” Achterberg said. “You get a rich exposure to different ideas and perspectives.”

She cited several examples of new diversity courses implemented at Penn State University and how they encouraged hands-on content and experiences. One class, Struggle for Freedom: A History of Black Civil Rights Movements, incorporated a bus ride along the actual Freedom Trail and interviews with people that had taken part in the Freedom March.

“It affects people broadly. Not only the people participating in the class, but they go home and talk to their roommates and friends and so on. We see a spill over effect,” Achterberg said.

Achterberg said diversity is also important for the generation of good ideas and education.

“It increases the quality and quantity of ideas,” Achterberg said. “It has a profound effect on education. I challenge all students to learn about, understand and appreciate diversity.”