Programs and Projects

Diversity Programs

Metropolitan State University of Denver holds many diversity-focused events each year. These events include two Visiting Professorships, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Awards and Breakfast, and the Higher Education Diversity Summit. There are also two sponsored events every semester to support faculty members from the Tenure Track Supper Club. These events and programs, as well as those funded by the Diversity Initiatives program, all proudly reflect our campus community’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorship

The Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorship was initiated in 1981 to foster multiculturalism, diversity and academic excellence at MSU Denver. The professorship brings extraordinary African American scholars and artists to MSU Denver, celebrating the struggle for civil rights and African American culture, while providing learning opportunities for students, faculty and the larger Denver community.

Richard T. and Virginia M. Castro Visiting Professorship

The Richard T. Castro Distinguished Visiting Professorship was initiated in 1997 to foster multiculturalism, diversity and academic excellence at MSU Denver. The professorship brings prominent Latina, Latino and Lanitx scholars, artists and notable leaders to MSU Denver, celebrating Latino culture and providing learning opportunities for students, faculty and the larger Denver community.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Breakfast

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Breakfast was started in 1992 by Karen J. Thorpe, a former assistant vice president of student affairs at MSU Denver. The breakfast was created to celebrate the life and philosophy of Dr. King, and includes a cultural program and awards ceremony recognizing individuals from the local community, faculty, staff and students who have demonstrated a commitment to the values expressed by Dr. King: peace, justice, civil rights, diversity and equality. The MLK Peace Breakfast has grown to become one of the most popular events at the University.

Higher Education Diversity Summit (HEDS)

‌The Higher Education Diversity Summit is a tri-institutional event, originated in 2010, which involves support from the University of Colorado Denver, the Community College of Denver, and Metropolitan State University of Denver. The Summit typically draws approximately 700 participants, features expert speakers, delivers a series of workshops and discussion forums, and generates opportunities for networking and debate designed to increase understanding of and appreciation for multiple worldviews related to diversity and inclusive excellence.

Tenure Track Supper Club

The Tenure Track Supper Club (TTSC) is a faculty retention program, which utilizes mentorship as a tool in the retention of minority faculty. The program welcomes tenure track faculty from all underrepresented populations and engages them with tenured faculty who prepare them for earning tenure.