Freeman seeks nominations for inaugural Lepage Faculty Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Freeman School Strategy for the Future Committee is seeking nominations for the inaugural Albert Lepage Faculty Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Established through a gift from Albert R. Lepage (MBA ’71), the $10,000 annual award recognizes A. B. Freeman School of Business faculty members whose teaching or research significantly advances the ideals of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Business schools aren’t the first place you think of when it comes to teaching EDI, and that should change. We must incorporate EDI into all parts of life and business, or we will never see the change we need.

Albert Lepage (MBA '71), retired co-chairman, Lepage Bakeries

“Business schools aren’t the first place you think of when it comes to teaching EDI, and that should change,” said Lepage, the retired co-chairman of Lepage Bakeries. “I’ve created this award to honor Freeman faculty who are effectively teaching and promoting these very important principles, which are crucial not only for business growth but for our progress as a society. We must incorporate EDI into all parts of life and business, or we will never see the change we need.”

Members of the Tulane community, including students, staff, faculty, alumni and others, are encouraged to nominate one or more full-time Freeman faculty members. Self-nominations are also accepted.

Examples of EDI in teaching or research might include:

• A case study analyzing diversity in the corporate boardroom and how it translates to business performance.
   
• A course with a meaningful focus on EDI and the positive impact on the health and growth of an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
   
• A literature review or presentation examining how the topics of EDI have impacted trends in marketing and/or advertising.
   
• Research investigating how investors and investment funds consider companies’ demonstrated EDI priorities when choosing to invest.

Each nomination should include 1) the nomination form explaining why the candidate is deserving of the award; 2) the nominee’s vita if available; and 3) any validating materials of the nominee’s work related to EDI. Validating materials may include, but are not limited to, research (published or in progress), articles, course syllabi or student reviews.

To submit a nomination, please use this online form. Nominations must be received by March 7, 2022.

Nominations will be reviewed by the Freeman School Strategy for Tomorrow Committee, and the winner will be selected by Freeman School Dean Paulo Goes based on the recommendations of the committee. The name of this year’s recipient will be announced on March 24 at the 2022 Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards Gala.

For more information about the award and the nomination process, please contact Rosalind Butler at rbutler4@tulane.edu or 504-862-8482.