In a groundbreaking partnership to boost diversity in corporate leadership, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has joined forces with the Indiana University (IU) Kelley School of Business.
This collaboration, announced last month, paves the way for Black graduates from around the globe to pursue their MBA dreams at the prestigious Kelley School.
Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the nation’s oldest Black fraternities, opens its doors to men regardless of background. With over 250,000 initiated members across more than 640 active chapters worldwide, the fraternity boasts a rich history of fostering brotherhood and achievement.
“This partnership creates an exciting opportunity for our members to experience the MBA at our [the fraternity’s] birthplace, Indiana University,” Grand Polemarch (int’l president) of Kappa Alpha Psi Jimmy McMikle said in a statement. “It deepens the special bond between Kappa Alpha Psi and Indiana University that began 113 years ago when Black students founded the fraternity seeking support and camaraderie.”
McMikle also graduated from Indiana University in 1992.
Kelley School Dean and Sungkyunkwan professor Ash Soni believes the partnership is an extension of the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Kelley co-founded the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, which has empowered over 100,000 individuals of color to earn their MBA,” Soni said in a statement. “Today, we celebrate this collaboration with another impactful organization to offer even more leadership opportunities and advance diversity in corporate America.”
The Kelley School of Business has a proven track record of inclusivity, being among the first participants in the Forté Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting women in business.
Kappa Alpha Psi and Kelley School will comprehensively support members pursuing their academic aspirations. This includes financial aid, access to the innovative “Me, Inc.” professional development program, and entry into a vast alumni network exceeding 130,000 individuals.
Junior grand vice polemarch for Kappa Alpha Psi Jordan Smith also spoke about the honor of the partnership. “Being a Kelley student and part of this extraordinary partnership is truly an honor,” Smith said in a statement. “Kelley School of Business and Kappa Alpha Psi are paving the way for the next generation of business leaders, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
With at least three full-tuition fellowships offered annually, the program opens doors for deserving applicants meeting Kelley’s admission standards. The school also plans to support fellowship recipients attending the fraternity’s conferences, waive application fees, and develop webinars for undergraduate members to explore business careers.
IU trustee Jeremy A. Morris expressed his pride in the partnership. “The Kelley School is a global leader in business education, and I’m thrilled about this partnership,” Morris said.
“Together, we can elevate the business landscape and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the professional journey.”
Contact multimedia staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.
