Boise State University in Idaho has announced the formation of the new Institute for STEM and Diversity Initiatives. The new institute will build on the work of the university’s STEM Station, which began in 2010 and was funded by the National Science Foundation. The goals of the new institute are to increase the quality, quantity, and diversity of students graduating in STEM fields; actively contribute to the knowledge base of STEM education theories, practices and impacts; and collaborate with industry partners for economic development.
The new institute will be under the direction of Donna Llewellyn who will begin her new role in January. Currently, Dr. Llewellyn is associate vice provost for learning excellence and director of the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Dr. Llewellyn is a graduate of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where she majored in mathematics. She holds a master’s degree in operations research from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in operations research from Cornell University.
“Quality STEM research and education programs are key to providing access and opportunity for students of all backgrounds, while addressing the demand for STEM professionals in our state and nation,” said Boise State University Provost Martin Schimpf. “With the evolution of our STEM Station into the Institute for STEM and Diversity Initiatives, Boise State will continue to build on recent successes in transforming pedagogy and increasing participation of under-represented groups in the STEM disciplines.”