Business research is driven by innovations contributed by a diverse population of cultures and identities. At Wharton Doctoral Programs, our community is filled with global voices expressing divergent views and opinions. Our creative students are encouraged to find common ground in solving challenging problems by sharing their unique perspectives, equally respected and valued.
Join us in celebrating multiculturalism.
We are committed to providing students the support and mentorship to succeed as individuals, as doctoral students, and, ultimately, as academic leaders in their fields.
Below are resources for students, allies, and advocates.
In 1970 an endowment was established posthumously in honor of Dr. William Fontaine, Professor of Philosophy, the first African-American appointed to the Standing Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. From its inception, the endowment, known as the “Fontaine Fellowship” has been used to advance the University’s goals related to enrolling a diverse student body and fostering a vibrant intellectual environment. Today, the Fontaine Society is comprised of nearly 400 current PhD students spanning a wide range of disciplines.
The PhD Project was founded upon the premise that increasing the diversity of business school faculty could propel advancements in workplace diversity . Today, our expansive network of supporters, sponsors and universities support Black/African-Americans, Latinx/Hispanic-American and Native Americans attain their business PhD and become the business professors who will mentor the next generation of leaders.
Each November, Wharton Doctoral Programs attends the PhD Project Conference in Chicago. The goals of the Conference are to inform and educate attendees about all aspects of a business doctoral program, and to encourage them to pursue a career in business research and academia. The conference welcomes participation from current PhD Project members and alumni. In addition, the PhD Project hosts area conferences each summer. To learn about area conferences: https://www.phdproject.org/news-events/calendar-of-events/.
Wharton Society for the Advancement of Women in Business Academia (WSAWBA)
WSAWBA is a Wharton PhD student-run group that provides professional development and social support for women in business academia. Women working to build a research career in a business-related field can face unique challenges, and we work towards identifying and addressing them through events throughout the year. Since our inception in 2013, our hope has been to connect scholars across years and disciplines to create a formal support network to encourage their continued professional success.
Connect to Diversity Resources at Penn
- Affiliated with Resource Center
- Religious Organizations
- Student Government, Consultation Councils and Advisory Boards
- Student Affairs
- School-Affiliated Organizations
- Arts Organizations
- Graduate Student Groups
For more information on pre-doctoral training and Wharton Doctoral recruitment activities including IDDEAS@Wharton, Leadership Alliance and SUMR@Penn LDI, click here.
We welcome your ideas and encourage you to express concerns as we continue to foster diversity, promote a sense of belonging for all individuals, and eliminate the harmful divisions and fractures that lead to discrimination and injustice among individuals and groups in our communities.
If you would like to submit feedback or questions to the Doctoral Programs office (name optional) or schedule a time to meet with the Vice Dean, please use this form: Wharton Doctoral Programs Feedback Form.