Justin Chapman, student services specialist in animal science, is the recipient of the 2022 Professional and Scientific Award for Diversity Enhancement from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. He primarily works with prospective and current students in the areas of undergraduate student recruitment and retention, and student communications. He organizes virtual events for students that are unable to attend face-to-face visits, and is responsible for outreach and support after these students arrive at Iowa State. The webinars are a critical tool in the creation of an inclusive program.
Chapman embraces individuals from all cultures and backgrounds to make them aware of opportunities and resources available to them on the Iowa State campus and within the field of animal science. He is developing an online event exclusively for prospective students from Puerto Rico and is helping the Department of Admissions provide Experience Iowa State programs that focus on multicultural student recruitment. A colleague states, “Justin makes our students’ lives better – regardless of age, gender, race, hometown, or even their favorite species of interest!”