UConn’s Megan Delaney Honored with 2024 Provost Award
Megan Delaney, a dedicated academic advisor at the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) School of Pharmacy, has been awarded the 2024 Provost Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship. This accolade recognizes her tireless efforts in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism (DEIA) initiatives at UConn—a significant triumph that echoes throughout the academic community of Storrs and beyond.
Trailblazing a Path in Higher Education
Delaney’s academic journey, culminating in an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from UConn in May 2023, has been rooted in the exploration of higher education, critical whiteness studies, and the intricacies of academic advising. Her dissertation, titled “Systemic Whiteness, Racial Consciousness, and Deconstructing Becky(s): A Phenomenological Study of White Women STEM Academic Advisors,” tackles the often-overlooked reality of systemic whiteness in predominantly white institutions. Delaney’s research particularly sheds light on how white female advisors can unwittingly perpetuate existing social hierarchies, thereby disadvantaging students of color.
“In the humanities, there were a lot more diverse students compared to STEM fields, where students often looked like me—they’re white,” she shared. This realization was a catalyst for her DEIA endeavors, inspiring her to address the systemic issues underlying educational settings.
Advocacy and Action at UConn
Delaney’s award symbolizes her steadfast commitment to DEIA initiatives beyond theoretical discourse. An active participant on UConn’s Diversity and Wellness Committees, she consistently advocates for increased training and systemic change in the university’s advisory infrastructure. Her proposals for overhauling UConn’s academic advising system include the introduction of comprehensive training programs addressing structural barriers—crucial steps toward creating a more inclusive environment for all students.
Megan Delaney remains undaunted by challenges such as time constraints and difficult conversations. “If I can’t talk to other white people about it, you’re never going to move the needle,” she emphasizes, underlining the importance of continuous dialogue and peer engagement. Her dedication is both a beacon and a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion across UConn and beyond.
Local and Community Impact
The 2024 Provost Award not only highlights Delaney’s personal achievements but also illustrates the broader cultural shift underway at UConn. Her work brings into focus the importance of fostering an environment where diversity is not just celebrated but woven into the fabric of everyday academic life. For local residents and stakeholders in the Storrs community, this serves as a clarion call to support systemic change in educational settings across the region.
Jose Garcia, a community leader and UConn alumnus, articulated the significance of Delaney’s work: “This award sends a powerful message that UConn is committed to nurturing a diverse and equitable community. It is a step forward not just for the university but for the broader Storrs community, impacting how we think about inclusivity in every facet of our lives.”
Links to Other Initiatives at UConn
Delaney’s award enters the timeline of other notable achievements at UConn. Recently, the university community has grappled with the loss of cherished law professor Joseph Harbaugh while celebrating historian Manisha Sinha’s southern historical accolade and nursing faculty securing research funding for health equity. Each instance underscores an overarching commitment to academic excellence and innovation—a collective endeavor impacting students, faculty, and the wider community.
Future Implications and Broader Perspectives
While Delaney’s contributions are indeed commendable, they also prompt a larger reflection on systemic change in higher education. As UConn continues to evolve as a microcosm of broader societal shifts, the necessity for latent structure reassessment becomes critical. Analysts encourage maintaining momentum by embedding DEIA values at institutional levels, ensuring sustainability and applied accountability across educational paradigms.
For those interested in learning more or contributing to this ongoing dialogue, UConn encourages community engagement through forums and university-wide discussions. Residents and stakeholders are invited to connect via UConn’s Community Impact initiatives (https://today.uconn.edu/category/all-topics/community-impact/) and partake in shaping the university’s policy landscape.
In a real sense, Megan Delaney’s award is more than a singular achievement—it is an invitation to reinvigorate efforts towards an equitable educational experience for all. In acknowledgment of the profound local impact and deep community interest, her work at UConn stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose in addressing the inequalities of today for a better tomorrow.
