Bhaskar Pant Named an MIT Excellence Award Winner for 2024

MIT Professional Education Executive Director recognized in the category "Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" for his efforts in promoting global cultural awareness

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- MIT Professional Education is proud to announce that Executive Director Bhaskar Pant has received a 2024 MIT Excellence Award – one of the highest honors presented to staff on behalf of the Institute in recognition of their high impact on the MIT community.

Pant was recognized in the "Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" category, which acknowledges individuals who maximize MIT's strengths by nurturing cultural sensitivity, embracing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and fostering collaborative environments.

"I cannot think of a better example of inclusivity, equity, and success than Bhaskar's work and leadership. Our Institute community is fortunate to have him and stronger as a result of his efforts," John Dozier, former Institute Community and Equity Officer at MIT.

"In a globally connected community such as MIT, students, faculty, and staff should always be growing their 'people skills,' particularly cultural awareness and sensitivity, to work more effectively and harmoniously with others from different countries and cultures," said Pant. "I feel truly humbled to be recognized for championing this cause and values at MIT and beyond."

Pant integrates his personal, lifelong commitment to fostering diversity and cultural understanding into his work at MIT in various ways, not only in promoting global participation in MIT Professional Education programs and showcasing the diversity in cultural backgrounds and perspectives of those at MIT who teach the programs but also promoting cultural awareness among staff and students across the Institute through his high demand intercultural communication workshops that Pant has conducted many times a year for community groups over his tenure.

Since joining MIT in 2008, Pant has made a point of hiring a highly diverse, culturally competent staff—one that mirrors MIT's community at large. In addition, Bhaskar has led numerous initiatives to successfully expand the reach of MIT Professional Education's programs among underrepresented and underserved populations globally, including women and non-English speaking professionals – ultimately contributing to MIT's mission of addressing global challenges through knowledge dissemination and working with others globally.

"I cannot think of a better example of inclusivity, equity, and success than Bhaskar's work and leadership. Our Institute community is fortunate to have him and stronger as a result of his efforts," said John Dozier, former Institute Community and Equity Officer at MIT.

Pant and fellow recipients were honored at the 2024 MIT Excellence Awards ceremony, which took place at Kresge Auditorium on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Media Contact

Andrea LePain, MIT Professional Education, 1 6178941153, andrea@emediajunction.com