Inclusive Excellence at the Tepper School
At the Tepper School, we are committed to creating and growing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and community that affords all students, staff, faculty, alumni, and business partners with a true sense of belonging. Together, we can create, impact, and sustain change.
By aligning our core values with Carnegie Mellon's ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence, and through our Tepper Together: DEIB Strategic Plan, student initiatives, professional development opportunities, and ongoing education, we are uniquely positioned to educate the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs who will be the value creators and pioneers of change for business and society.
What does Tepper Together mean to you?
At the Tepper School, we are committed to caring for everyone, regardless of background, identity or life experience. We believe that the only path to a truly intelligent future is by dedicating ourselves to building a strong, diverse community.
Our Core Value Themes (CARE)
Climate, Culture, and Community
We will work toward strengthening our communities, both internally and externally. The climate, culture, and community impact how our people perceive the safety and supportiveness of our environment.
Access and Equity
We will maintain an infrastructure for inclusion where talented people from every background and life experience can access, fully participate, and receive what they need to succeed at Tepper School.
Recruitment and Retention
We will focus our efforts on recruiting, retaining, and developing people. A shift in our mindset is needed. We will focus on how individuals can add to our culture and community vs. fit in.
Education and Scholarship
We will put in place a new context to ensure that we educate people in our classrooms with lens focused on inclusive excellence. We aspire to be viewed as a vibrant hub of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou
Tepper School Dean and Professor of Finance
A Note From Our Dean
"As Dean of the Tepper School, I am committed to making this community and environment one that is more inclusive and diverse, where everyone has a voice and feels a sense of belonging.
We’re looking ahead: what are we going to do, where are we headed?
These are the questions we are here to answer today and our DEIB strategic plan focuses on specific actions and outcomes to help achieve this vision."
Tepper Together: DEIB Strategic Plan
The Tepper Together task force, comprised of students, staff, and faculty, assembled to serve as the proactive body in establishing our DEIB strategic plan. We approached this plan like we do any other opportunity: we analyzed the data, applied our values, and defined our approach.
The following analysis is clear: we will hold ourselves accountable as we move forward on the path that will take us where we need to go.
Rebekah Hughey, M.D. | Online Hybrid MBA 2026
“Engaging with diverse groups has broadened my perspective and fostered a greater sense of connection. Achieving a unique balance of global perspective, people-centric leadership, and data-driven decision-making has been at the heart of my Tepper School experience.”
Rebekah Hughey, M.D. is a physician and Online Hybrid MBA student at the Tepper School. As Vice President of Alumni Affairs for the Black Business Association, Hughey strengthens engagement between alumni and current students, providing mentorship and networking opportunities.
Cultural Intelligence & Thought Leadership
Tepper School researchers and faculty members are using data-informed approaches to study the impact of DEIB on business. From sustainability and current economic trends to gender inequities and inclusive business practices, our faculty aren't just informing the conversation: they're leading it.
Our Community
We value a diverse and inclusive community, not only because it is ethically and morally right, but because it enriches our experiences and leads to greater creativity and innovation in our decision-making. Attracting an outstanding and diverse community of faculty, staff, students, business partners, and industry leaders, and ensuring that all members of our community have a voice and sense of belonging, empowers excellence.
We are better, together.
Tepper Together: Learn More and Get Involved
Tepper Together: DEIB Strategic Plan
Our Tepper Together: DEIB strategic plan is rooted in Carnegie Mellon’s longstanding commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and affirmative action.
Programs & Initiatives
Through our programs and student initiatives, campus-wide resources, executive education programs, alumni network, and affiliations, we promote a community that benefits all.
Resources
Our commitment to education includes providing resources for support, continued growth within our community, and calls to action.