Dr. Karen Holt Receives CSS Institutional Access Award

April 1, 2025

Dr. Karen Holt, an Assistant Professor in the School of Criminal Justice, has received the Michigan State University College of Social Science Dean’s Institutional Access Award! 

The Dean’s Institutional Access award is reserved for those who have displayed a commitment to creating and fostering an environment that embraces and values Institutional Access. 

Dr. Jennifer Cobbina-Dungy, Professor in the School of Criminal Justice and one of the nominators of Dr. Holt for this award, says “I have personally observed Dr. Holt regularly apply what she has learned in the training by intensely listening to students, faculty, and staff who are marginalized and privileged, keeping an open mind, and sharing new concepts.” 

Dr. Holt has served on the School of Criminal Justice’s DEI Committee since its inception in 2018 and has served as the Committee’s Co-Chair since 2020. As co-chair, Dr. Holt successfully secured funding through Michigan State University’s Creating Inclusive Excellence grant program to develop the Social Justice Thursday series. This series of discussions focused on social justice issues and included guest speakers from the community. 

Dr. Holt’s deep commitment to Institutional Access and her willingness to translate talk into action is the reason that Dr. Chris Melde, former Director of the School of Criminal Justice, appointed her as the school’s first DEI Coordinator in Fall of 2023. 

Dr. Chris Melde says “Since her appointment as an Assistant Professor in 2019, no Professor, at any rank, has contributed more to the School’s Access missions than Dr. Karen Holt. When it comes to Institutional Access, Dr. Karen Holt does not just talk the talk, she creates meaningful impact through her hard work and dedication.” 

 

 

Congratulations Dr. Holt – this award is well deserved!