Our Beginning

Diverse Student Scholars (DSS) is a robust, predominantly undergraduate interdisciplinary research program established in the fall of 2007 by Dr. Jeanetta D. Sims. Students work under her mentorship to engage in scholarly research in the field of marketing, apply for grant funding, and present their work at local and international conferences.

DSS reflects Dr. Sims’ personal contribution to higher education and her passion for research. The program currently resides in the marketing department of the College of Business alongside Dr. Sims' faculty appointment and regular coursework duties.

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Our Mission

Inquire

Involve students in the research pipeline process of scholarly inquiry.

Engage

Cultivate students’ abilities to engage with people from different identities.

See Our Work

Research

Develop students’ research skillset for professional career preparation.

Our Scholars

DSS has mentored over 80 undergraduate students and provided them with more than 25 grants and publications. Students regularly present their findings at local and international conferences, often receiving awards and distinctions for their research work.

After graduation, many continue to apply their research and scholarly skills as they pursue a higher education or a wide variety of professional careers.

Meet the Scholars

  • Research taught me to think critically, break down problems, and provide arguments with sound data and reasoning.

    Zoie Hing
    Diverse Student Scholar 2018-2020

  • I developed foundational skills that I continue to rely on in my career. The experience sparked an interest that shifted my career goals from creative marketing to market research.

    Mindy Vo
    Diverse Student Scholar 2017-2021

  • I was never an academics-first person and never saw myself as someone who could do something like that, and with (a lot of) your help I did. To this day I can see the confidence that gave me, especially in that time of my life, and how it helped me believe in myself and what I can accomplish.

    Taylor Dickerson
    Diverse Student Scholar 2015

  • The stealth market project we collaborated on 15 years ago remains one of the most impactful lessons from my college experience. Thank you.

    James Smith
    Diverse Student Scholar 2010

Our Impact

Diverse Student Scholars (DSS) is a robust, predominantly undergraduate interdisciplinary research program established in the fall of 2007 by Dr. Jeanetta D. Sims. Students work under her mentorship to engage in scholarly research in the field of marketing, apply for grant funding, and present their work at local and international conferences.

DSS reflects Dr. Sims’ personal contribution to higher education and her passion for research. The program currently resides in the marketing department of the College of Business alongside Dr. Sims' faculty appointment and regular coursework duties.

Learn More