PhD candidate in Counseling Psychology, Scott Barrera, was selected for the 2021-2022 Graduate Student for Inclusive Excellence Award, from the Ball State Graduate School. He was nominated by Dr. Kristin Perrone.

Barrera says, “I am extremely grateful to have an advisor who recognizes and supports individuals engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

While this award celebrates diversity and inclusive excellence work at Ball State, I believe it also highlights the ongoing need to continue to uplift marginalized communities and amplify their voices.”

Commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence is one of the reasons Barrera ended up at Ball State in the first place. He says, “I decided to pursue my PhD in Counseling Psychology because there was an evident commitment to multiculturalism and social justice. I felt supported to pursue opportunities I was passionate about regarding inclusive excellence across research, leadership, and other professional activities.”

Students who receive this award are a champion for diversity through their words, acts and scholarship, they are present and visible to fellow graduate students as an ally and advocate for diversity and inclusive excellence, they live and work to stay true to the Beneficence Pledge, and they foster a university environment that enables all who contribute to excel in a culture that is growing ever more diverse.

Barrera says of this award, “I am honored to be nominated for, let alone receive, this award especially considering the notable achievements of other graduate students doing inclusive excellence work at Ball State. This award symbolizes my personal and professional passion for DEI and is an acknowledgement of my efforts thus far.”