Future Faculty Diversity Program

At Virginia Tech, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community that fosters creativity, innovation, and excellence. We believe that by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives, we can drive positive change in our communities and beyond. The Future Faculty Diversity Program (FFDP) is just one example of our commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Historically, the FFDP was designed to encourage graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, especially historically underrepresented minorities in the United States, to consider current or future faculty positions at Virginia Tech. As the program evolves, we are refining our goals to ensure that we identify graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who, through their backgrounds, experiences, and achievements, can demonstrate their ability to:

• work with diverse communities of faculty, staff, and students
• contribute to InclusiveVT, the institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence
• support Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community
• evidence of their potential to succeed as a faculty member at Virginia Tech based on their research and teaching experience

This three-day program provides fellows with a unique opportunity to learn about the university's culture, meet with senior leaders, department heads, and faculty members, and gain valuable insights into life as a faculty member at Virginia Tech. Participants  will hear from internationally recognized faculty members and campus leaders about the interviewing process, strategies for negotiating job offers, and tips for navigating the tenure process.

This program provides a supportive and inclusive environment for fellows to explore their interests, ask questions, and gain insights into academic life at Virginia Tech.

Transportation, lodging, and food expenses are covered by Virginia Tech for invited fellows.

• PhD, DVM, or MFA candidates (anticipated graduation by May/June 2025), postdoctoral scholars, or early-career faculty or researchers
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Individuals who are able to advance InclusiveVT—the institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence
• Individuals who can contribute to creating the community envisioned by Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community
• Individuals who can demonstrate experience working with diverse communities of faculty, staff, and students and understand the challenges associated with different identities and backgrounds
• Interested in pursuing an academic career (post-doctoral or faculty level) within the next two years at Virginia Tech
• Individuals who demonstrate potential to fill current or anticipated vacancies at Virginia Tech

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter that addresses how your academic and professional experiences align with Inclusive VT
• Inclusive Excellence Experience Statement:  Please  describe how your background, experiences, and achievements, can demonstrate your ability to:
  • Work with diverse communities of faculty, staff, and students
  • Contribute to InclusiveVT, the institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence
  • And support Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community
• Research Statement
• Teaching Philosophy

Applications are currently being accepted!

This application portal will be open from March 1 to August 16, 2024 11:59 p.m. EST. We will notify applicants of our decision by September 16, 2024.

Note: An invitation to participate in FFDP does not guarantee offer of employment at Virginia Tech. Similarly, not being selected for FFDP has no bearing on future employment opportunities with the university.

Please send all questions about this application and/or program to Dr. Erica Cooper at ffdp@vt.edu.