University of Richmond Receives Grant Support For Project Focusing on Women and Information Technology

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Kathy Hoke, professor of mathematics and chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, is leading a team focused on recruiting and retaining women and other underrepresented students as computer science majors and minors. 

Hoke is working with Barry Lawson, professor of computer science and computer science coordinator, Carthene Bazemore-Walker, assistant dean for diversity, inclusivity, and thriving, and additional computer science faculty, including Lewis Barnett, Jory Denny, Prateek Bhakta, and Doug Szajda.

The comprehensive plan developed by the team includes new approaches to early computer science courses, expansion of peer tutoring opportunities, and training in diversity and inclusion best practices. The University of Richmond has been awarded $10,000 from the National Center for Women & Information Technology to support the implementation of the plan.

"Recruiting and retaining women and students from other groups underrepresented in computer science is paramount to our long-term success," said Hoke. “We are committed to making sure our program is appealing to a diverse pool of students.”

Hoke, who has taught at UR since 1985, has been co-principal investigator and administrator on several grants focusing on undergraduate research in STEM fields. These include grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the National Science Foundation, and a grant from the Clare Boothe Luce Foundation for scholarships for women in mathematics, computer science, and physics.

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