About
History of the BFA – On Jan 29, 2018, faculty members received a google survey from the provost’s office to select meeting availability times for participation in a focus group. The purpose of the focus group meeting was to seek faculty members’ insight and perspectives and learn more about experiences of diverse faculty members at OU.
On February 12, a follow up reminder email was sent by AVP Joi Cunningham on behalf of the provost to communicate an additional goal of the focus group.
Goal: To explore effective ways of attracting diverse faculty members to OU, and not just recruiting the best people but investigate means which we can all work collectively towards retaining black faculty and ensuring they are successful.
The first meeting of a diverse group of faculty members took place on March 9th, 2018, and the meeting was facilitated by Professor Karen Markel, as part of the information collection process in the climate for inclusion efforts for the University’s 4th strategic goal.
4th OU strategic goal: Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in an environment of mutual trust and respect at all levels of the institution and facilitate opportunities and success for all community members.
After the March 9, 2018, meeting, faculty members indicated interest to establish a faculty of color group with central focus on issues pertinent to this group. It was also agreed that Dr. Chaunda Scott will lead this effort. The first meeting for this group took place on April 27, 2018.
It was at this meeting members chose to identify as the Black Faculty Network. The goals, mission and vision statement drafts were crafted with three major areas.
Black faculty recruitment, Black faculty retention and Black faculty success. Another meeting was scheduled for May 21, 2018, and the name of the group was modified to Black Faculty Association.
Seven members of the Black Faculty Association met with Provost James Lentini and AVP AHR Joi Cunningham on May 22, 2018. The provost pledged the University’s commitment and support towards the goals presented during the meeting.
On June 27, 2018, members of the Black Faculty Association were notified of the provost’s approval of the association.
A Bylaws and Governance Working Group for the BFA, chaired by Dr. Richard Olawoyin initiated the process for the Constitution and Bylaws development on November 4, 2020. A draft copy of the Constitution and Bylaws was approved by the Bylaws and Governance Working Group on November 23, 2020. The general membership of the OU BFA voted to adopt the Constitution and Bylaws on December 14, 2020, with amendments. The final version was approved by unanimous consent on January 8, 2021.
The first BFA election result was announced on April 6, 2021. The elected first BFA President was Dr. Chaunda Scott and elected first BFA Vice President was Dr. Richard Olawoyin.
The BFA was recognized as an organization by the Oakland University Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, on September 7, 2018, subject to all the privileges and obligations set forth in the Black Faculty Association Mission Statement.
Leaders’ interactions help to influence decisions and actions throughout the BFA. Leadership roles in the BFA align with the mission of the association.
The Executive Board provides leadership and direction to the OU-BFA in all matters and acts as the official representative of the BFA on matters of an emergency nature and for purposes of communication with OU administration, other campus organizations or their officers, and the news media. The OU BFA Executive Board consists of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two at large members appointed to fill the roles of membership director and communication director.
University Sponsor: Joi Cunningham
President: Chaunda Scott
Vice President: Richard Olawoyin
Treasurer: Kodiah Bayeh
Secretary: Caress Dean
Membership Director: TBD
Communication Director: TBD
Our Vision: To showcase the rich and multicultural roots at Oakland University, celebrating Black faculty academic excellence and success.
Our Mission: To promote education, learning, career advancement and leadership experiences for Black faculty through community action and partnerships.
Our Purpose: The purpose of the Black Faculty Association is to form and maintain a group whereby Black faculty with similar interest and concerns may work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion as core components of employment and academic practices within the University community.