Dr. Jennica Webster, associate professor of management in the College of Business Administration and co-director of the Institute for Women’s Leadership, is the recipient of a 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award.

The Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognize select faculty and staff members who demonstrate exemplary leadership and manifest the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion into practical action.

“I want to live in a world where each person’s whole and unique self is not just respected but celebrated, and the rights, welfare and dignity of all are not just protected, but cherished,” Jennica says. “I hope my efforts, and the efforts of my colleagues, inspire people to pursue the same reality and support others to enhance our campus and greater culture.”

Jennica says her vision for diversity and inclusion is at the core of her identity and the focus of her life’s work as an advocate.

“All my professional activities — teaching, research and service — are directed toward bringing us closer to this vision,” she adds.

Jennica is described as passionate and dedicated to her teaching and research.

Her research focuses on the types of workplace relationships, climates and processes that impact the experiences, health, and well-being of women and traditionally disadvantaged groups. Jennica’s work has been published in several academic journals, as well as recognized by the National Science Foundation. In addition to her scholarship, she has consulted on applied projects related to diversity climate, the implementation of diversity initiatives, and the evaluation of diversity initiatives on business outcomes.

One nominator wrote that Jennica “has worked relentlessly to champion diversity and inclusion with the goal of making the world a better place for all of us. This passion and deep concern for others, as called for by our Jesuit values, are evident and put into practical action in her relationships with students, faculty, staff and members of the community.”

As a professor, Jennica educates her students on how they can embrace and promote inclusion in their everyday lives. She teaches the course Human Resources Management, which is part of the College of Business Administration’s and the university’s Core Curriculum, as well as an Employee Development course for human resources majors. Issues of disparities in power, privilege and inclusion are prominent discussion themes in her teaching of these topics.

In her role with the IWL, Jennica takes every opportunity to learn and teach the importance of diversity, in hopes of making the world in which she lives in more inclusive.

The nominator added, “I can think of no one else who currently has the level, breadth and depth of positive impact on diversity and inclusion here at Marquette University.”