By Tyler Dean Muirhead, MBA’24
I completed my undergraduate studies at the Kelley School of Business in 2019. My undergraduate studies were untraditional, in that I worked throughout the weekday and would drive to campus for evening classes. Having an untraditional college experience hindered me from fully experiencing the benefit of student associations and events.
When I decided to pursue my online MBA in the fall of 2022, I saw an opportunity to foster an inclusive environment for remote learners. Similar to my undergraduate experience, it felt difficult to connect with classmates on a meaningful level. I was then introduced to the Kelley Direct Student Leadership Association (KDSLA) whose mission is for “your classmates to become your community, your friends… to connect, learn and have fun with your Kelley Direct peers.” The KDSLA has many wonderful sub-associations that create a sense of community for Kelley Direct students who are spread across the globe; however, there was not an organization focusing on the LGTBQ+ community and its allies.
I currently serve as the VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for KDSLA, and along with the program staff, we are working to build a more inclusive student community. KD has recently partnered with a non-profit organization, Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) to help support LGBTQ+ students in their MBA experience. As a partner school, Kelley Direct awards two fellowships each year to students. I have been working with our inaugural fellows, Mark Salmon and Meredith Tierney-Beed, to establish the Kelley Direct Pride association. The mission of this group is to “create a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, offering opportunities for leadership, professional development, and networking.”
As we continue to acknowledge and appreciate dimensions of difference, it is important to make everyone feel a sense of belonging. We are striving to have difficult and uncomfortable conversations that will encourage personal and professional growth. The Kelley Direct Pride association is excited to provide a space for all to find their voice and know that they are heard.
I want to thank all who have paved the path for the LGBTQ+ community throughout history, including in the IU community. While there are still many legislative battles to be fought, I am grateful to those who found their voice and didn’t let anybody take it away. Your efforts have allowed me to be my true, unapologetic, and authentic self at work, at school, and in my personal life. I am actively recruiting guest speakers for our community events, so please reach out to me if you are interested in helping to grow our inclusive community.