The office of the provost is pleased to announce that the theme for the 2012-2013 academic year will be Inclusive Excellence. In order to allow for better planning and preparation, we have selected the theme early and are now accepting nominations and applications for the Provost Fellow for Public Affairs for 2012-2013. The selected Fellow will “shadow” the current Provost Fellow, Dr. Kurt Heinlein, in order to better understand the planning process of the Public Affairs Conference.

The 2012-2013 theme, Inclusive Excellence, is rich with opportunities to engage the campus community in discussions that will help to clarify the complications we all face as we reach beyond borders:

In 2009, the Missouri State University declared inclusiveness as one of the university’s top priorities.  And now, Inclusive Excellence is the campus-wide public affairs theme for the 2012-13 academic year.

In the discussion of Inclusive Excellence, what does “inclusive” mean?  Is it merely a synonym for “diversity”?  No, there is a broader meaning.  Inclusion implies more than the presence of ethnic and cultural diversity.  According to the American Association of Colleges and Universities, inclusion is “the active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity—in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities.”

As citizens of a global society, how do we practice Inclusive Excellence in education, in healthcare, business, in social and political interactions, in the arts, and in the sciences?  Are we focusing on inclusive engagement or merely on the presence of diversity? To what extent is inclusion important?  Necessary?  Desired?  Join us in a yearlong dialog as we discuss, debate, and explore the many aspects of Inclusive Excellence.

As is the case this year with the theme of the Culture of Connectivity, the intent will be to incorporate this new theme into as many campus activities and programs as possible.  This effort will begin with recruitment and orientation materials sent out to prospective students; carry through to the New Student Convocation, Public Affairs Week, and the convocation lecture series; and culminate with the 2013 Public Affairs Conference, which will be the primary responsibility of the Provost Fellow for Public Affairs with support being provided by the Office of Public Affairs Support and the Conference Advisory Committee.

The Office of the Provost welcomes applications and nominations for a Provost Fellow who will be responsible for refining this theme, developing and promoting related activities and serve as the chair of the 2013 Public Affairs Conference.  The person selected will receive a one course reassignment per semester and an $8,000 stipend.  Although the appointment will be for one year, the person selected will be asked to shadow this year’s Provost Fellow in order to gain an understanding of the full responsibilities of the position.

Individuals wishing to be considered for this position should submit a CV and letter of interest outlining their experience, skills and ideas to Dr. Rachelle Darabi, Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs no later than 5 pm, October 5.  Review applications will begin October 6. Questions concerning this position should be directed to Dr. Rachelle Darabi.