Provost’s Message

Our commitment to diversity is woven into the fabric of Hofstra University. We recognize the substantial benefits inherent in a learning environment that is built on faculty, student, staff, and administration diversity. We embrace the fact that “a diverse faculty is pivotal to the success of any academic institution’s initiative to create a strong learning environment.” We know that “vigorous debate and the exchange of new ideas” requires “the broad spectrum of perspectives” facilitated by “our diverse society and the world community”, and we continuously look for opportunities to promote diversity and the support for diversity. In addition to recruitment efforts and curricular initiatives designed to support diversity, we also promote diversity through a major address to new students just before the semester begins, distinguished speaker series, a faculty exchange with Claflin University (a historically back university), support for faculty research and curriculum development in the area of diversity, a Hofstra Museum cultural diversity awareness program, a Center for Civic Engagement, and major scholarly conferences, such as the upcoming National Center for Suburban Studies conference on “The Diverse Suburbs: History, Politics, and Prospects.”

Most importantly, we are pleased to announce that we have established a position of Special Adviser to the Provost on Diversity. In this very significant role, we have appointed Dr. Margaret Abraham who will advise the Provost Office on what more we can do in support of diversity.

Additional information, on any or all of these initiatives, as well as additional activities in support of diversity, is available for review throughout the website.

Dr. Herman A. Berliner
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs