SLU Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine’s 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award

National Recognition of Programs Making a Difference for Underrepresented Groups in STEM

ST. LOUIS — Saint Louis University’s “Black in STEM Celebration & Awards” event received the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. 

The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). SLU will be featured, along with 79 other recipients, in the September 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives. 

“From improving our understanding of how the body works to shedding light on life-saving surgeries and treatments, Black researchers have been at the forefront of discovery in science throughout history,” said Aubra Ladd, program coordinator for SLU’s Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement (DICE) and an organizer of the event. “Despite the push to be acknowledged, Black people continue to be underrepresented in STEM due to barriers brought on by racism and other inequities.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected SLU because the “Black in STEM Celebration & Awards” event empowered Black people in STEM at SLU and commemorated the unique experiences and contributions made by Black STEM professors, researchers, and students. It also assisted Black students in building connections with Black STEM professionals in the region, according to organizers.

“What initially began as a one-day event turned into an annual event and has become a movement,” said Michael Hankins, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry and special assistant to the VP for recruitment in STEM for SLU's DICE. “It’s nice to know that our work matters, and that the University supports our efforts.”

Hankins is another organizer, along with Erica McBride, MLK Scholars and SafeZone program coordinator for SLU's DICE. He received one of four awards at the event. He was honored with the Hidden Figures Social Change Award for his community engagement and the recruitment of STEM students to the University with an emphasis on those from marginalized and underrepresented communities. 

SLU's DICE hosted the event in the spring featuring Cynthia Chapple, founder of Black Girls Do STEM, who gave the keynote address on Black Resistance in STEM. Her address was tied to the Black History Month theme of Black Resistance chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”

For more information about the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com. 

About Saint Louis University

Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers more than 13,500 students a rigorous, transformative education of the whole person. At the core of the University’s diverse community of scholars is SLU’s service-focused mission, which challenges and prepares students to make the world a better, more just place.

About INSIGHT Into Diversity  

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today and is known for its annual INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion in higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as explorations of best practices and profiles of exemplary programs.