Abstract
Much of the economic vitality and the quality of life we enjoy as a nation is a direct result of the inspiration and innovation of scientists and engineers. Our future well-being appears to be even more dependent on technological advances. Where will the workforce be developed that will continue to fuel this growth? Science and engineering (S&E) enrollments have remained relatively stagnant for the past 20 years. If this trend continues, what will happen to the economy? The authors recognize the need to increase overall enrollments in S&E fields, and the opportunity to increase enrollments by attracting and retaining students from underrepresented demographic population groups. Women represent over half the nation's population and nearly half of the undergraduate enrollment, yet are dramatically underrepresented in the technical and academic community. Increasing participation of underrepresented groups in S&E will not only increase the available technical workforce, but will also interject ideas and viewpoints inherent with increased diversity. The development of a diverse faculty will provide mentors and role models to attract and support an increasingly diverse student body that otherwise might not pursue a technical career. To create an academic culture that promotes diversity and equity within the faculty and administration and that provides a supportive environment and appropriate mentors and role models for an increasingly diverse student body has become Boise State University's priority. This paper includes data on our university's representation of women faculty in science and engineering, including measurable progress in recent years that places us above the national norm. Additionally, we provide focus group results on climate for female science and engineering faculty and describe what has led not only to successful searches but also to unsuccessful ones. In this way changes in policies, procedures and perceptions during faculty recruitment are focused most effectively.
Original language | English |
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Journal | ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings |
State | Published - 2006 |
Event | 113th Annual ASEE Conference and Exposition, 2006 - Chicago, IL, United States Duration: 18 Jun 2006 → 21 Jun 2006 |