Dear Milligan community,
We are reminded this week of how essential the work of racial reconciliation is. It is our desire as an institution to do better to equip our community to end racism and treat every person with respect, dignity, and love.
Over the summer, we had a work group develop a diversity action plan based on recommendations from the Multicultural Education Resource Team (MERT), as well as feedback from alumni, students, and faculty. Some of those items are being implemented this fall and some will take more time as we focus on long-term improvement. Our priority goals include:
- ASSESSMENT & TRAINING/EDUCATION: Use various tools and methods to assess the multiethnic diversity climate at Milligan to determine how best to create a healthy, diverse learning environment.
- CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT: Develop campus-wide opportunities that encourage interaction and dialogue promoting racial diversity and harmony.
- GOAH PROGRAM: Support and honor students from culturally diverse backgrounds who promote the development of a multicultural learning community and grow intellectually, spiritually, socially, culturally, and creatively by embracing this task.
- CURRICULUM: Help transform the curriculum to reflect greater multiethnic diversity and promote intercultural competency in student learning.
- STUDENT LIFE: Develop opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and other experiences that promote and develop intercultural competence.
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Engage community leaders of color to assist us in developing a multicultural learning community.
- MINORITY EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT: Increase the recruitment of faculty and staff of color who can help create a cultural climate that celebrates cross-cultural engagement.
- STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION: Promote recruitment and retention of culturally diverse students.
I ask our entire Milligan community to recommit ourselves to an environment of work, study, and life where we listen to others, empathize, walk with, and stand up and speak up for those whose voices are often ignored. We must serve our diverse world in a Christ-like manner.
I want to acknowledge and thank those serving on MERT this year. This work is not easy, but it is essential to move us closer to being a better institution that embraces the beauty and diversity of God’s creation.
Leadership Team:
Lee Harrison, VP for Marketing & Enrollment
Garland Young, VP for Academic Affairs & Dean
Mark Fox, VP for Student Development & Athletics
Theresa Garbe, Director of Alumni Relations & Development
Gwen Ellis, Director of Multicultural Engagement
Rich Aubrey, Campus Minister
Tony Jones, Dean of Students
Ron Kastens, Director of Ministry Leadership Program
Rebecca Sapp, School of Social Sciences & Education
Kristin Wright, Director of Admissions
Faculty:
Michael Blouin – School of Arts & Humanities
Kip Elolia – School of Bible & Ministry
Phil Kenneson – School of Bible & Ministry
Jason Bembry – School of Bible & Ministry
Namyoun Choi – Greene School of Business & Technology
Kristal Dove – Greene School of Business & Technology
John Paul Abner – School of Sciences & Allied Health
Brian Eisenback – School of Sciences & Allied Health
Amy Edmonds – School of Social Sciences & Education
Lori Mills – School of Social Sciences & Education
Shauna Nefos-Webb – School of Social Sciences & Education
Joy Drinnon – School of Social Sciences & Education
Staff:
Keila Lau-Lopez, Graphic Designer
Leslie Bean, HR Director
Beth Anderson, Director of Center for Calling & Career Development
Kristin Wright, Director of Admissions
Kylie Russell, Women’s Basketball Coach
Students:
Cara Blanton, SGA Student Representative
Alexandra Reynoso, Goah Scholars President
Jasmine Guerrero, Multicultural Affairs President
Shanteal (Teal) Davis, Student-Athlete Representative
Luis de la Torre Gonzalez, International Student Representative
Janet Galante, ECS Student Representative
Thameena Giturwa, ECS Student Representative
Stephen Goodwin, ECS Student Representative
Sarah Masih, GPS Student Representative
Thank you,
President Greer