Tan Becomes WSU’s First Diversity Faculty Fellow

PULLMAN, Wash.– Longtime Washington State University professor and administrator Alexis S. Tan has been named Diversity Faculty Fellow — a new position created to bolster the university’s success in recruiting faculty of color.

This half-time position is sponsored jointly by the Office of the Provost and The Division of Student Affairs, Equity and Diversity.

“Diversifying the faculty is a process that will take place over several years. The proposed strategic plan should provide direction and guidance to the faculty and take advantage of University opportunities in terms of faculty attrition, new positions, pipeline development and regional campus development,” said Provost Robert C. Bates.

Tan left Texas Tech University in 1986 to accept the position of professor and chair of the Department of Communications at WSU. In 1990 he became the founding director of WSU’s Edward R. Murrow School of Communication.

During his tenure as director, the Murrow School was the largest academic area at WSU, building a national reputation in both undergraduate and graduate programs.  Over the course of his career at WSU, Tan has been actively involved with efforts to diversify both the student body and the faculty ranks.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve WSU as diversity fellow. Diversity of thought, cultures and life experiences is at the core of all great universities. I am looking forward to working with the Division of Student Affairs, Equity and Diversity, and the Provost’s Office in developing and implementing a plan that will make WSU a model of faculty diversity,” said Tan.

The most recent data provided by WSU’s Office of Institutional Research shows that in 2005 slightly over 9 percent of the faculty were ethnic minorities.  Twenty-seven percent of faculty did not report their ethnicity that year.

Tan is going about his work with a sense of urgency as his appointment runs until August 15, 2008.  He has formed an advisory committee and is researching best practices at other universities.  He is also meeting with deans and administrators to see if some strategies can be implemented this academic year.  His goal is to have a comprehensive draft strategic plan completed this spring to share with faculty and administration.

Tan continues to serve as professor in the Murrow School of Communication on a half-time basis where he is conducting research on communication and prejudice, writing research grants, assisting in fundraising and directing doctoral students.