Debolina Ghosh wins Indiana University’s Building Community Award

Indian American professor honored for making “a substantial contribution to the development of inclusive learning environments”

By Arun Kumar

Debolina Ghosh, an Indian American Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology at Indiana University Columbus, has won its Building Community Award for “making a substantial contribution to the development of inclusive learning environments.”

The award recognizing and honoring demonstrated commitment and outstanding efforts toward creating a diverse and inclusive community was presented to Ghosh during a recognition ceremony at the AirPark Campus on Jan. 24, according to a university release. IU Columbus Building Community Awards are presented each January, in correspondence with Martin Luther King Day.

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“We continue to strive to meet many standards Dr. King advocated, particularly in equity and inclusion. The importance of Dr. King’s messages championing systemic equality resonate as strongly today as when he first spoke them,” said Reinhold Hill, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Columbus.

Ghosh has over 17 years of experience as an educator and has made a substantial contribution to the development of inclusive learning environments, according to the release.

Ghosh served as faculty facilitator with the Institute for Engaged Learning and the Center for Teaching and Learning in the Equity Champion program a faculty facilitator with the Equity Champion program. For this program, she collaborates weekly with colleagues across IU campuses to develop practices that empower students and foster inclusivity in the classroom. Her work has garnered national recognition.

She recently received the Distinguished Counselor Educator Award from the Indiana Counseling Association and the Building Bridges Award from Indiana University.

Ghosh’s professional journey spans roles in the United States, India, China, and South America, including counseling positions and teaching roles at institutions such as Stephens College in Missouri, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, and Xavier School of Management (XLRI) in Jamshedpur, India. Her research encompasses crisis and trauma counseling, with a focus on innovative techniques like heart math and safe and sound protocols.

Ghosh holds a Ph.D. in marriage and family counseling from the University of Florida, along with master’s degrees in clinical social work from the University of South Florida and clinical psychology from Calcutta University. She has received numerous accolades, including the Tata Scholar award and the Researcher of the Year honor from the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association.