Updated at 2:49 p.m. CDT May 4, 2005

With the creation of the College of Human Sciences, it is poised to serve as model for diversity for the entire ISU community, said a dean candidate for the college.

Human Sciences dean candidate Jeff McCubbin, associate dean for the college of Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University, addressed approximately 15 ISU faculty and staff members Wednesday during an open forum to discuss the role diversity plays in the college and how that role can be strengthened.

“I would commit to be part of ISU’s plan and to have the college of Human Sciences be a model for the university,” McCubbin said.

He said it is important to try and create a culture of communication and that conversations need to be ongoing with people within different departments. In order to create a welcoming and accepting environment at Iowa State, it will take a commitment from faculty, staff and students to the values that climate brings, McCubbin said.

“We need to make people feel safe, supported and nurtured wherever they are,” he said.

Roger Smith, associate dean for education administration in the College of Education, said the main challenge seems to be retaining faculty and students on campus who are part of under-represented minority groups at Iowa State.

Forming study and focus groups to address why people are leaving the university are needed, Smith said.

McCubbin also addressed the small number of women faculty members at Iowa State and the issue of equitable salaries among faculty members, focusing on the disparity of promotions and tenure given to young faculty members with children.

“I realize the importance of having families and that it is a timely commitment,” he said. “It is important to support these faculty members with children.”

Courses that focus on diversity issues need to address concerns of social injustices and understanding how to operationalize diversity.

Smith said he was glad to hear McCubbin has had many first hand experiences with diversity, like working with international students, gender diversity and students with disabilities.