Whitney Pirtle, Associate Professor of Sociology, has been honored with the prestigious Academic Senate Award for Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Professor Pirtle's unwavering dedication to DEI is evident across her research, teaching, and service, both locally and nationally. One of her notable contributions is her role as advisor to Africans for Retention and Outreach (AFRO) Hall, which has evolved into a living and learning community serving over 60 students. Her efforts in securing funding and grants have sustained support for Black students on campus, while her initiatives like the Black Research Excellence Program series aim to enhance Black student retention and academic success. She has also played a pivotal role in diversifying hiring committees, creating new majors like Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, and advocating for underrepresented students.
Professor Pirtle’s other impactful initiatives include co-editing the groundbreaking volume, Black Feminist Sociology: Perspectives and Praxis—aimed at reshaping perceptions of sociology and fostering inclusivity—and contributing thought-provoking insights to publications like Inside Higher Ed, Conditionally Accepted, and The Huffington Post. Her interviews with local news stations and national podcasts have amplified feminist voices and sparked important conversations on diversity and inclusion.
Beyond academia, Professor Pirtle actively engages in community activism, hosting forums, participating in racial justice events, and advocating for marginalized communities. Her impact extends to the national level, where she volunteers with professional organizations and supports initiatives like the #CiteBlackWomen campaign. Her commitment to DEI has been recognized through various awards, including the Sara Collins Fernandis Commitment to the Future Award and the A. Wade Smith Award for Teaching, Mentorship, and Service.
Please join us in congratulating Professor Whitney Pirtle on this well-deserved recognition!
