Diversity, Unity and Belonging Task Force makes strides in 2022-2023 school year
A grow-your-own program and new diversity statement are among the steps taken toward a more welcoming and inclusive campus community at Lipscomb.
Dr. William Turner |
Dear Lipscomb Family,
At Lipscomb, we take great pride in our tight-knit community and are dedicated to supporting and empowering all members of the Lipscomb family to thrive as active participants in our shared journey. As a Christian institution, we are driven by a unique mission and identity that compels us to work together in promoting diversity and inclusivity across all facets of our campus.
This spiritual motivation led us to develop the Impact 360 Strategic Plan, with diversity, equity and belonging as a central component of the new plan. Lipscomb has just completed its first year of Impact 360 implementation, during which significant progress has been made toward creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment: 1.) through the establishment of a diversity and belonging task force, 2.) the creation of a diversity and belonging statement and 3.) the development of the New Generation Faculty Fellowship.
In April 2022, Lipscomb’s board of trustees unanimously approved the Impact 360 vision, mission, values and goals, including the plan's goal four: To build a culture of diversity, equity and belonging where people thrive as image-bearers of God.
LEARN MORE: The year-long development of Lipscomb's diversity, equity and belonging goal.
In August 2022, Impact 360 rolled out to the university community and in September 2022 Lipscomb's Diversity and Belonging Task Force was established.
The task force is comprised of:
- President Dr. Candice McQueen (co-chair);
- Special Counsel to the President and Distinguished Professor Dr. William Turner (co-chair);
- Provost Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker;
- Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dr. David Holmes;
- Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry Dr. Leonard Allen;
- Senior Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dr. Florah Mhlanga;
- Provost Emeritus Dr. Craig Bledsoe;
- Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Richard Hughes;
- General Counsel David Wilson;
- Vice President for Spiritual Life Dr. Scott Sager; and
- Dean of Community Life Dr. Prentice Ashford.
Since its inception, the task force has met monthly to discuss strategies and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and belonging at Lipscomb University. One of the task force's most significant accomplishments in its first year was the creation of a diversity and belonging statement that received input from various groups, including the Academic Leadership Team, the Respect Leads Diversity and Belonging Council and the President's Student Advisory Council. The statement will appear on the university’s reconstructed diversity website and university communications.
Additionally, the task force developed the New Generation Faculty Fellowship, which aims to increase representation of faculty from historically underrepresented groups. The fellowship provides resources and support to these future faculty members as they pursue their doctorates and assists them to develop their careers at Lipscomb.
The task force has also worked to develop new strategies for creating a more welcoming climate for all members of the Lipscomb community, especially those who might have felt marginalized or outside of our community. The task force is committed to promoting diversity, equity and belonging across all areas of the university, including the curriculum, policies, and practices.
The Diversity and Belonging Task Force's work is ongoing, and they continue to meet monthly to discuss new initiatives and strategies to promote diversity, equity, and belonging at Lipscomb. Their efforts are critical in creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the Lipscomb community.
President McQueen has expressed her appreciation for the task force's hard work and dedication to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment at Lipscomb on numerous occasions, and I want to express my gratitude and admiration to the many members of our community who have shown exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication in advancing our goal of a more diverse and inclusive Lipscomb.
While our work is ongoing, I am encouraged by the progress we have made and continue to make in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Blessings,
Dr. William Lofton Turner
Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Public Policy
Special Counsel to the President for Equity, Diversity and Belonging