The minority enrollment at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University, reached a record-setting 24 percent this fall.
Bush School faculty and students have increased efforts in diversity and inclusion planning and recruitment in recent years through a range of programs and initiatives. As a result, minority enrollment has continue to increase each year.
“Facilitating an environment for a diverse and inclusive student body and faculty is of the utmost importance to the Bush School,” said Bush School Dean Mark Welsh. “The School has seen great improvements in diversity enrollment as we have grown in recent years, and members of the Bush School Diversity Committee are continually working to advance and assure our programs are as diverse and inclusive as possible.”
International students also contribute to the diverse student body at the Bush School, where 13 percent of students hail from twenty-three different countries. The Bush School is also hosting fifteen Fulbright Scholars, each bringing a global perspective and wealth of experience in foreign trade, human resources, public relations, and business development to the School’s international and public affairs programs.
The School has also sponsored a number of student initiatives and public events addressing issues of diversity and inclusion in the greater society.
The Bush School Diversity and Inclusion Committee, formed as a part of the School’s Student Government Association, works specifically to create a campus that respects, nurtures, and celebrates diversity and inclusion through education, awareness, and exposure to different cultures, belief systems, and values. The Committee hosted a brown bag lunch talk on Monday, October 11, which featured a discussion of diversity with Bush School Dean Mark Welsh.
The event began with remarks by Dean Welsh, who discussed the importance of diversity and inclusion in an organization’s perspective and how the inclusion of diverse backgrounds shaped his career in the U.S. Air Force. The remarks were followed by a Q&A session among Welsh; committee co-chair and second-year Bush School student Dianey Leal; and the audience of staff, faculty, and students. The discussion was focused on defining what the future of diversity and inclusion will look like within the Bush School.
“Dean Welsh can only do so much; the committee can only do so much” said Leal, who is studying public management and education policy at the Bush School. “It takes generations to keep the movement going.”
To view Dean Welsh’s remarks on the importance of diversity and inclusion, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I608tnSSS4.
Most recently, the School hosted a three-part lecture series entitled “Race and Policing in America,” addressing how law enforcement interacts with the public it serves, with a focus on minority communities. The series has brought together academics, community leaders, and local law enforcement to speak on a range of topics. The final event in the series will be held on November 14th and will feature Dr. Charles Epp of the University of Kansas, who will discuss how police stops define race and citizenship.
Fulltime, in-residence Bush School enrollment is just under 350 graduate students. Students are registered in the Master of Public Service and Administration or Master of International Affairs degree programs. Nearly 75 percent of graduates pursue careers in public service.
