Dr. Ivan Banks promoted to The Society for College and University Planning’s Board of Directors
One of Alcorn State University’s professors is making significant strides in education with his new appointment.
Dr. Ivan Banks, a professor of education in Alcorn’s School of Education and Psychology, was selected to serve on The Society for College and University Planning’s (SCUP) Board of Directors. Banks is a part of the governing body that establishes policies and provides board oversight for the organization.
SCUP unites the best of college and professionals. The organization creates a range of learning opportunities, from publications to the annual SCUP conference, for their community to share perspectives, resources, best practices, and fresh ideas that move challenges to solutions.
After years of serving in other SCUP roles, Banks is happy to have reached his goal of becoming a member of SCUP’s board.
“I am both honored and humbled to serve on this board,” said Banks. “I have been a member for about eight years, and I have served as the chairman of the SCUP Professional Development Committee for five years. As a chair, I was part of the SCUP council that functions as an intermediate governing structure. It has long been my goal and ambition to be appointed as a member of the board of directors.”
With its unanimous vote of Banks to the board, the organization is displaying its mission to add diverse leaders from all corners of the educational landscape. Banks applauds SCUP for recognizing minority leaders in education for their hard work.
“My appointment provides some public acknowledgment that the organization is serious about diversity and engaging a broader range of institutions and higher education professionals. I have observed the increasing number of minority educators who have attended the annual international meetings and who have become involved in the organizations. My first involvement was sparked by an African American scholar from Lehigh University.”
Banks is also one of a few African American leaders who are setting a precedent for other minority educators.
“I hope to serve as a catalyst for other HBCUs and Alcorn faculty and staff to become more engaged in the full range of opportunities offered by SCUP. Most institutions can benefit from the expertise and resources this organization can provide as we are all trying to navigate challenges and changes in higher education.”
Banks’ appointment means more educational resources for Alcorn. He plans to introduce SCUP services to University personnel that would benefit them professionally.
“I can provide a connection between the organization and the University. The Planning Institute provided by SCUP is one example of a valuable and costly resource that can be provided to Alcorn at no cost due to my involvement. I hope to engage other Alcorn faculty and staff in the full range of services and professional development opportunities provided by this international organization.”
An ideal scenario for Banks would be the University becoming an institutional SCUP member. Banks said that becoming a member would provide a broader scope of opportunities for Alcorn.
“I hope that the University will become an institutional member. That would open the door to a full range of services, volunteer opportunities, professional development, and interactions with scholars and higher education planners from around the world.”
