With 2018 in the rearview mirror and 2019 in the windshield, Diverse asked some academics and other experts to share their biggest wish for diversity, access and inclusion in higher education in the new year.
“My biggest wish is that we can redress the growing economic segregation in higher education, ensuring that everyone has access to liberal education as the foundation for democracy,” said Dr. Lynn Pasquerella, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Sim J. Covington Jr., chief diversity officer and adjunct professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Finger Lakes Community College, said he hopes that “real progress is made in the world of higher education around awareness, intention and impact. As the national climate continues to play itself out at colleges and universities across the country, promotion of peace and social justice is crucial in the world today. The American landscape has been plagued with examples of conflict pertaining to diverse perspectives, and colleges and universities have a rich opportunity to tap into their mission of creating a civilized society.”
This year, he added, “higher education institutions should help support positive impact by promoting care for humanity, civic engagement, and intellectual growth. My hope is that in the face of divergent views, civility and respect are the foundation of all interactions, as faculty and staff model progressive behavior for the student body while helping create informed and enlightened citizens in our community, state, country, and world.”
Dr. Emilie M. Townes, professor of American studies and womanist ethics and society at Vanderbilt Divinity School, said she wants to see ” the upper administration in colleges and universities begin to reflect the diversity, access and inclusion being encouraged in the student and faculty populations of those universities.”
Donnie J. Perkins, chief diversity officer in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, echoed Townes’ challenge to administrators, encouraging them to celebrate and share their diversity-related successes and challenges.
“I would like to see board members, presidents, provosts, deans and other influential leaders in higher education exert stronger leadership and strengthen accountability for outcomes at all levels on their campuses,” he said. “I also wish that they empower their chief diversity officers or diversity and inclusion leaders with the political and human capital and financial resources to drive and achieve diversity, access, inclusion and equity goals.”
