The Graduate College welcomes new cohort as part of the LIFT initiative
For the fourth cycle since 2021, the Graduate College welcomed the inaugural cohort of Presidential Postdoctoral Fellows and Presidential Graduate Assistants to ASU.
Collectively referred to as the Presidential Scholars, the program reflects ASU's commitment to supporting black students, faculty and staff, and other underrepresented groups as part of the LIFT initiative. LIFT stands for Listen, Invest, Facilitate and Teach; the program was created to advance a culture of belonging and excellence.
The Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship program’s main objective is to diversify university faculty and all postdocs in the program have a guaranteed route to a tenure-track position at ASU. It also provides opportunities for scholars to work closely with faculty members on research projects that ensure that the next generation of academics is diverse and inclusive. The merit-based Presidential Graduate Assistant program also aims to support student recruitment, professional development and faculty mentoring. These graduate assistants were selected from a pool of highly qualified applicants from all fields and backgrounds; their work is integral to uplifting the ASU Charter. This year, there are almost 50 students in the Presidential Graduate Assistant cohort.
The event was well-attended by faculty, students and staff alike. Elizabeth Wentz, vice provost and dean of the Graduate College, opened with an inspiring speech about networking and staying connected for academic success. She thanked everyone who has been instrumental in making it possible and reiterated the program's positive impact on the ASU community.
After opening remarks, attendees joined breakout sessions on various topics related to diversity and inclusion. The sessions were led by faculty members and staff who are experts in their respective fields. Topics included:
- Funding your ASU experience – presented by Angie Mitchell, assistant director, Fellowships and Funding, and Mitch Hobza, senior program manager for Distinguished Graduate Fellowships. The session focused on opportunities for graduate students to receive recognition and fund their academic, research or outreach activities.
- Critical Response Process – facilitated by Phil Weaver-Stoesz, design expert and facilitator, University Design Institute. Phil Stoesz also taught a workshop session called Question Alchemy. The work is based on the Critical Response Process, a method MacArthur Genius and ASU Institute professor Liz Lerman created. In the session, students shared what mental tools they utilize. Then, they were led through a process intended to reframe fears and negative opinions into open and generative questions to ask themselves and others. To conclude the workshop, students reflected on their relationship with curiosity and the opportunities and challenges when asking questions in a university context.
- Postdocs session: Talking to your unit – Facilitated by Lisa Anderson, associate dean and professor, Graduate College and School of Social Transformation; ASU faculty panel included Lisa Anderson, Anita Huizar-Hernandez and Lisa Magana. This was a session for postdoctoral scholars to discuss and open dialogue with faculty on life as a faculty member at ASU.
Seeing so many members of the ASU community come together to support this critical initiative was inspiring. Overall, the kick-off event was a great success. By diversifying the faculty and supporting graduate students from underrepresented communities, LIFT is helping to create a more equitable environment at ASU.