Chancellor’s Scholars Program
The Chancellor’s Scholars Program (CSP) is a centerpiece of West Virginia University’s efforts to increase the recruitment and retention of doctoral students from underrepresented communities. It is one of the most innovative and successful programs designed to enhance diversity at WVU.
The program is funded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) who partner with WVU to prepare and engage aspiring scholars for meaningful and gratifying academic experiences at the University. Through this effort, the partners foster a genuine commitment to diversity which establishes and sustains an inclusive influence on the success of the students as they prepare for a future as members of faculty and staff at institutions of higher education and other associated professional communities.
The program has both immediate and long-term objectives:
- The principal immediate objective is to increase the number of highly qualified students from underrepresented groups who enroll in doctoral programs at WVU.
- The long-term objective is to increase the diversity of faculty members at colleges and universities throughout West Virginia to bring a wider range of experiences and perspectives to teaching and scholarly discussion within the statewide higher education system.
In order to meet these objectives and maximize the benefits for students, WVU, and the state of West Virginia, the CSP provides opportunity and access to populations underrepresented in academia.