Carl Darnell, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, has been appointed Director of the Hudson & Holland Scholars Program at Indiana University.

The Hudson & Holland Scholars Program (HHSP) is a scholarship and academic support program for high-achieving underrepresented minorities. It’s the largest merit-based scholarship program at IU with over 2,100 students currently enrolled. Originally, the program started as two separate entities, the Minority Achievers Program (MAP) and the Mathematics and Science Scholarship (MASS) Program, until 2004 when they were joined and renamed in recognition of Herman Hudsonand James Holland.

As director, Darnell wants to honor the original spirit of the Hudson & Holland Scholars Program. He will retain his role at the School of Education and will expand the work he’s already doing there to benefit all students, not just those within the school or the program.

“I have a vision for that program that is a shared vision that I also have for the School of Education,” he explained. “It’s part of what we have written in our diversity plan. I want to create an inclusive and equitable environment for underrepresented populations to be able to flourish, and I mean that wholeheartedly.”

Darnell’s hope is to create a support system for Hudson & Holland students that spans the university and includes every school, so no matter what, students feel supported. He also wants to work with units around IU to create research opportunities for undergraduates and assistantships for graduate students, ensuring they not only have a positive experience at IU, but a bright future – and that he’s there to celebrate with each student.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re focusing on the joy, beyond graduation. How do we formatively celebrate the accomplishments of our students? I want to inundate students with joy and celebration. I want Hudson & Holland Scholars Program to be known as the premier program where students got more awards than they can carry,” he said.

“I am very thankful for my teams, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity and for the full support from Dean Stacy Morrone and Vice President James Wimbush. It really means a lot to have that direct support to do this work and to make the changes that I feel like need to be made for our students,” he added.