Kitt Carpenter wins University award for diversity and inclusion
Christopher “Kitt” Carpenter, E. Bronson Ingram Chair and Professor of Economics, and Director of the Program in Public Policy Studies, was recently honored with the Joseph A. Johnson, Jr. Distinguished Leadership Professor Award. Named in honor of Bishop Joseph Johnson, who was the first African American to earn an undergraduate and a doctoral degree at Vanderbilt, this award goes to a member of the faculty who has proactively nurtured an academic environment where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated. Professor Carpenter has, since he arrived at Vanderbilt, helped to establish a scholarly and teaching center focused on LGBT+ issues, including the economic and social status, health and legal position of members of the LGBT+ community. His faculty colleagues commend him as a leading scholar who has leveraged his knowledge of economics to advance the LGBT+ inclusion of diverse students, faculty, and staff at Vanderbilt and throughout the academy.