About

The Diversity Research Network, or DRN, emerged in response to results of a qualitative research study on the work environment and experiences of tenure system faculty who experienced epistemic exclusion at MSU(FIES) in ways that mirrored national data in universities across the United States for more than 50 years. The MSU study was led by Isis Settles, an associate professor of psychology at MSU in 2013, in collaboration with the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (IDI; previously called the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives until 2022), following work with the National Science Foundation ADVANCE grant in 2010 also managed by IDI. Based upon these data and that from the NSF ADVANCE grant, Settles, Johnson and Garcia supported the Office in developing a faculty-facing network and resource. The DRN concept was endorsed by the university in 2015, and in spring 2016 its inaugural year was launched. 

The DRN is intended to be a support resource for enhancing research productivity, grant and publication output, and meaningful collaborative research opportunities. The initiative will provide places and spaces to network, collaborate and improve community while supporting research activities and engagement. 

The goals of the Diversity Research Network include: 

1. Scholarship: To create and support an interdisciplinary intellectual community of MSU faculty and scholars interested in research on cultural and diverse communities, that promotes their excellence through research innovation, productivity, grant activity, and national recognition. 

1. Support: Increase inclusion broadly through support of the recruitment, retention, and advancement and better representation of a broad spectrum of faculty and scholars through cross-university mentoring activities. 

1. Visibility: Promote visibility of DRN faculty scholarship. Enhance the dissemination of scholarship by faculty and scholars to increase the visibility of their research incorporating advancing research that directly or broadly address concerns of and elevates communities of color which promotes expands MSU’s reputation as an institution committed to inclusive communities.  

1. Student Engagement: Promote opportunities for MSU graduate students to engage with faculty and scholars whose work touches upon and lifts cultural and underrepresented communities in activities that will support research and provide students with mentoring, support and training opportunities that emphasize MSU’s core values and the principles of excellence. 

1. Community Engagement: Facilitate engagement in outreach and policy activities related to the scholarship of MSU faculty and scholars in support of MSU's land-grant mission to improve the lives of individuals and cultural communities through evidence-based best practices.