New Watson School director of diversity programs and initiatives

Monica Majors recently joined Binghamton University’s Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science as its director of diversity programs and initiatives.

Majors received her BS in psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana, her MA in sociology from the University of New Orleans and is currently completing her dissertation for her PhD in human resource and leadership development from Louisiana State University.

In her role as the director of diversity programs and initiatives, she oversees a number of programs including the Louis Stokes Association for Minority Participation (LSAMP), Bridge to the Doctorate, Upward Bound Math and Science, and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP).

Majors is a firm believer in the power of mentoring as a way to encourage students who may be the first in their family to go to college or the only woman in the room to stick with the STEM fields.

Most recently, she hosted the annual Research Symposium and Graduate School Application Retreat. This was an opportunity for students to present their own research as well as learn more about fellowship programs and the process of applying to graduate school.

“Sometimes people confuse increasing diversity with decreasing standards. That’s not the case at all,” Majors said. “We are expanding the standards that tell us what makes someone a good engineer or computer scientist. Sometimes you have to look outside the traditional box to appreciate talented students. Those students are going to help push others to think more creatively or with a new perspective. We want those contributions, especially when it comes to advancing technology. It’s a win-win for everyone.”