Diversity Initiatives

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Belk College of Business. The college fosters an environment that is based on mutual respect, broad understanding, and trust.  The Belk College of Business is fostering diversity & inclusion through: 

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

​This joint faculty/staff committee advises the Dean on matters relating to diversity within the Belk College, including diversity in the student body, faculty, and staff. The committee and the Belk College work to build an inclusive environment that promotes the success of all students, faculty and staff.

Faculty and Staff Awards

Faculty and staff are recognized for displaying an exceptional commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in which diversity is understood, valued, respected and supported through the Dean's Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Individual and collaborative efforts are eligible for this annual award. 

Women in Business (WIB)

This Women in Business initiative promotes the development and advancement of professional women in the Belk College of Business. The WIB initiative provides career-development activities that empower students to enter the business marketplace with the skills and competencies needed to achieve personal and professional goals. WIB supports students of all genders interested in advancing the progress of professional women entering the workforce. Ongoing activities include monthly coffee hours, a fall retreat, and a spring signature event. 

Belk College of Business LGBTQ+ Affinity Group

The purpose of the Belk College of Business LGBTQ+ Affinity Group is to provide networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, and students; to provide education on LGBTQ+ issues for faculty, staff, and students; and to promote LGBTQ+ events on and off-campus. Please click this link to join the canvas site if you are interested in information about attending group meetings, participating in programs, and/or reviewing the resources the group has curated. 

The PhD Project

The PhD Project is a unique diversity initiative that encourages Black/ African Americans, Latinx/Hispanic Americans and Native Americans to pursue their Ph.D.s in business to serve as role models and mentors for underrepresented business students. Since its inception in 1994, the PhD Project has more than quintupled the number of underrepresented business professors from just 294 to over 1,600 today.

Graduate Student Recruitment

The Belk College graduate programs team strategically participates in recruiting initiatives to recruit diverse students to our graduate programs. Belk College efforts in recruiting a diverse pool of applicants include initiatives with the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), Latin American Chamber of Commerce, veterans associations, the National Black Master of Business Administration Association, and the Ph.D. Project.

Undergraduate Programs

Belk College faculty are committed to teaching students about diversity. A core learning goal for all undergraduate business students is: “Students will demonstrate knowledge of global and diversity concepts.” The Belk College also offers a major in International Business that provides an understanding of the importance of a global perspective on the part of business managers. 

Clubs and Organizations

Belk College students can participate in a variety of academic, career, and networking clubs and organizations that promote diversity including: The Association of Latino Professionals for America; Enactus, an international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic, and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need; and the National Association of Black Accountants.

International Teaching and Study Abroad Opportunities

The college supports international teaching, exchange, and study abroad opportunities to encourage Belk College faculty to internationalize courses and develop skills to create an inclusive classroom experience for all students.

Faces of Belk College

Since 2015, the college has featured more than 130 alumni, students and faculty through Faces of Belk College. The web feature highlights the diversity, accomplishments, and stories of the Belk College and its alumni.

Faculty Research

Belk College faculty are actively engaged in research in diversity, equity and inclusion topics.

Peer Guide Program

The Peer Guide Program is a student leadership program in which well-trained undergraduate students represent and assist in the promotion of Belk College professional development activities and represent the college at student recruitment events. The Peer Guide program is partially funded through Inclusive Excellence grants.

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance – Talent Insights Fund

The Belk College partners with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to the economic development of the Charlotte 15-county region in North and South Carolina, on a number of initiatives to cultivate a diverse workforce as a competitive advantage for the growing Charlotte region. Programs include Emerging Business Leaders (EBL), the Charlotte Regional Alliance Young Professionals, and Power of Women (POW).