As we embarked on the process of creating Georgia Tech’s first-ever DEI plan, we were pleased to note that approximately 40% of our institutional strategic plan priorities are related to diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives. The action strategies that emerged will allow us to achieve our stated aspirations and make it likely that we will create a new organizational reality.

It was an honor to work with so many willing leaders in developing this plan, and the growing enthusiasm for DEI work in our community continues to inspire us every day. It’s a clear signal that we’ve reached a maturity and inflection point in the Institute’s history where we have significant momentum that will carry us to our long-term goals.

As Georgia Tech strives to create a culture of inclusive leadership and innovation, the Institute Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (IDEI) team will play an active role. We recognize that it takes a village, and strategic actions that need to be taken are not the responsibility of any one unit or office, but instead require a collective effort. To this end, we serve by providing direct leadership for action in some instances, and coordination and collaboration across the Institute in other instances on this journey of shared accountability for culture transformation. In fact, we believe that everyone has a unique opportunity and responsibility to embody the values and behavioral expectations for fostering an environment of inclusion, belonging, and advocacy — and equitable outcomes for all.

With the emergence of this DEI plan, we are excited to shepherd an annual reporting process where we review our progress toward our goals for transformation and outcomes achieved. We will take the pulse of our community regularly, communicating transparently about where we are making progress and where we will need to better focus or recalibrate our course of action to reach our goals.

Yours in solidarity,

Archie Ervin, Ph.D.
Vice President, Institute Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
 

 Pearl Alexander, J.D., CPCC, ACC
 Executive Director, Chief Culture Coaching Officer, Inclusive Leadership