ENRICHING THE
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

The Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs helps students to leverage the resources and personal focus of a distinctive learning community at the Penn State Smeal College of Business. We work with incoming, current, and international students to enrich their academic experience, while connecting corporate partners to potential recruits.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

We work with students at all levels, both undergraduate and graduate, incoming and current, to enrich the academic experience and create opportunities to connect with corporate partners.

IN FOCUS

BUNTON-WALLER FELLOWSHIPS

Bunton-Waller Fellowships are merit-based and seek to enhance the diversity of the undergraduate and graduate student populations at Smeal. Each year, individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, who exhibit strong academic and professional potential, benefit from this award.

"The small class size, genuine interest the administration takes in the MBA students, and the connections I've made with my classmates are reasons that attending Penn State has been one of the best decisions I've made in my life."

Gregory Keel
2016 Penn State Smeal MBA Graduate and Recipient of the
Bunton-Waller Fellowship

DIVERSITY STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Smeal sponsors more than 40 student-run clubs and organizations, several of which may be of special interest to diversity students. More information about Smeal diversity student organizations, along with links to student-maintained websites, can be found below.

• Association of Latino Professionals for America

  Aids in the educational and professional development of Hispanic business students to create strong, independent professionals and promote corporate diversity.

• ASCEND

  Enhances the presence and influence of current and future business leaders of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and to serve as a collective voice for those business communities.

• Assistance in Transition at University Park

  Helps change-of-campus students transition to University Park by offering guidance on course scheduling, professional development, and social activities.

• Black Male Leadership Symposium

  Prepares black males for the future by fostering unity and by developing academic abilities and leadership skills.

• Middle East and North African Business Society

  Promotes and provides education, events, and forums on Middle East and North African countries' economies and businesses.

• Multicultural Women's Forum

  A support network for African American, Asian, and Hispanic/Latina female undergraduate students enrolled in Smeal, providing opportunities for issues-based and leadership discussions.

• National Association of Black Accountants

  Works with companies, colleges, and Penn State alumni on minority job placement and hosts the annual Netiquette conference, which prepares student attendees for professional development activities and career fairs.

• OUT & Allies in Business

  An educational and professional group for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) business students and allies that aims to create an inclusive and diverse atmosphere at Smeal, while increasing awareness of LGBT issues.

• Women in Business (WIB)

  Focused on increasing the recruitment and retention of female students and faculty at Smeal. The group hosts the Powerful Women Paving the Way Conference, which helps attendees of all genders empower their careers.

IN FOCUS

ANNUAL S.T.A.R.T. CONFERENCE

Organized by students who recognized the need for open dialogue with professional and corporate leaders to create a productive and respectful work environment, the START Conference is a one-day, student-run event that brings together students and corporate representatives to engage in learning and conversation.

CONNECTING UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS TO CORPORATE PARTNERS

Corporate partnerships help strengthen and sustain the goals and services of the Diversity Enhancement Programs Office. Through generous support, we are able to offer events, student organization programming, and networking opportunities to connect students to their future and your organization to new and unique talent.

IN FOCUS

SMEAL WOMEN'S NETWORK

The Smeal Women's Network encourages women's leadership by raising awareness of existing initiatives and creating personal and professional development opportunities.

IN FOCUS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SUMMER SESSION (BOSS)

BOSS offers high school students interested in a business degree a chance to see what college life is like by spending two weeks on the University Park campus taking college prep and business fundamental courses taught by Penn State faculty.

CONNECT WITH US

MEET THE STAFF

Olivia K. Lewis

M.A. | Director, Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs,
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Jamie Campbell

Assistant Dean for Diversity Enhancement Programs

Pauline McCarl

Assistant to the Assistant Dean for Diversity Enhancement Programs