Professional Development Funds for Faculty and Staff – Nancy Parlin Grants for Equity in Education

Professional Development Funds for Faculty and Staff – Nancy Parlin Grants for Equity in Education

In the fall of 2023, the Faculty and Professional Learning Center was made aware of financial gift from the estate of Dr. Nancy Parlin to be used for professional development opportunities. Dr. Parlin’s extensive career included a time as Professor of Sociology and as Dean of Arts and Humanities. Throughout her career Dr. Parlin was a strong proponent for professional development, a voice for equity, diversity, and inclusion, was active in the Civil Rights movement, and dedicated much of her life to volunteerism and human rights causes.

The FPLC committee has worked to create a program that can help move Moorhead towards our most immediate goals while providing recognition to Dr. Palin’s legacy and values. With the Nancy Parlin Professional Development Grants for Equity in Education we are looking for applications from individual faculty and staff or teams for professional development funds related to Equity by Design and/or Equity 2030.  A total of up to $15,000 will be awarded each year for four years beginning in fall 2025.

Proposals may include:

1. A conference opportunity for you or your team.  Travel expenses may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

1. A webinar or presentation which you or a team would like to attend.

1. A learning opportunity such as a short-course or workshop that you or members of a team want to attend.

1. Purchasing materials (books and other resources) that will help your professional learning or your team’s learning.

1. Faculty EDDs to provide dedicated work time towards an equity related goal.

Other proposals that meet University, program, or department goals.

Priority will be given to: 

1. Proposals that have an extended reach across MSUM creating resources and opportunities that benefit the campus.

1. Proposals that are directly related to student needs and outcomes.

1. Proposals that are collaborative in nature.  Interdisciplinary and cross disciplinary teams are encouraged.

1. Proposals that will result in revision of a program, a work process, a shared resource, or other improvements to the work or learning environment.

Proposals demonstrate clear alignment and value to MSUM’s equity goals including Equity by Design and Equity 2030.

This proposal cycle is for learning opportunities that will occur between October 31, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Proposals may be submitted by individuals or teams. For team proposals, please submit one single proposal on behalf of the team.

Link to proposal form