Dr. Cheryl Maranto

Marquette's Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Award was established to recognize a faculty member who demonstrates exemplary leadership and has shown an ability to put the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion into practical action.

That spirit is exemplified by the work of Dr. Cheryl Maranto, who was named the award's inaugural winner.

"The experience that most effectively breaks down the barriers of prejudice, ignorance and stereotyping is working together toward a common goal," Maranto says.

"It has been my privilege and honor to be a part of the effort to help Marquette University meet the very high aspirations of its mission."

Her research includes topics related to gender, people with LGBTQ identities and obesity. She has developed and taught several classes on diversity, including a current course on diversity in organizations — a subject Maranto, herself, has had to further understand as the field evolves. As she puts it, "There really was no such thing as 'diversity management' when I was in graduate school."

Since coming to Marquette in 1989, she has been a leader in raising awareness and advocating for change through her wide range of service on committees and taskforces. Most recently, she co-chaired the Campus Climate Survey Committee, playing a leading role in data collection, facilitating feedback sessions and ultimately moving the university toward action.

As one colleague wrote in her nomination, "First, she is always very well-informed about the issues and is able to bring an intelligent, informed approach to all the discussions she leads. Second, she is committed to allowing many voices at the table and takes measures to see that a diversity of opinions are reflected and considered in any decision her committees make."