Intercultural Development highlights cross-cultural campus community
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
Since the inception of this country, the United States has been a refuge for people of all ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
Today, the U.S. population reflects a rich mixture of cultural influences. According to the 2010 census, more than 15 percent of the U.S. population is Hispanic, 13 percent is African American and 4.4 percent is Asian. The rest of the population is comprised of Caucasians, Native Americans and people of a variety of other ethnic backgrounds.
Located in Nashville, Tenn., Lipscomb University finds itself in an emerging hub of diversity. The 2010 census showed that Tennessee’s Latino population grew by almost 35 percent since 2000, comprising 10 percent of the city’s population and giving the state the sixth-fastest-growing Hispanic population nationwide. Census data also showed that the racial makeup of Nashville is 60.5 percent Caucasian, 28.4 percent African American and 3.1 percent Asian. Large groups of immigrants from Mexico, Kurdistan, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Arab nations also call Nashville home, among others.
Lipscomb University’s student body is rapidly reflecting the cross-cultural community around it like never before in the institution’s history. Since 2005, Lipscomb’s minority enrollment has increased 263 percent. This year, 18 percent of the student body is non-Caucasian, which makes Lipscomb one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in Tennessee. More than 40 nations and 47 states, including Washington, D.C., are represented. Lipscomb students also belong to more than 30 religions.
The Office of Intercultural Development, housed in the Office of Student Life, is a resource for Lipscomb students of all cultural backgrounds to learn more about the diversity around them on campus, in the Nashville community and in the world around them.
“We have found that this rich diversity of backgrounds and beliefs has made our learning community stronger,” said Lisa Steele, assistant dean of student life, director of intercultural development and coordinator of Latino student services at Lipscomb. “One of our goals is to engage our students cultural conversations so they can sit side-by-side and see first-hand what diversity looks like. We want to show this community what ‘intercultural’ looks like. It includes all of us.”
“This is a perfect time to talk to the campus about intercultural competency and diversity, exterior and interior diversity. We do this by taking a holistic approach with students. “
Steele said the office offers a variety of programs such as resume writing, etiquette and dressing for business success workshops; a conversation series with parents of Latino students to help them better understand the college process; cultural fairs; and service opportunities among other activities.
Paulette Cathey, who joined the Lipscomb staff this summer as coordinator of African American student services, said relationships are key to understanding and appreciating the diversity of cultures reflected in the student body.
“I am working to build relationships with our students and to hear their stories,” said Cathey, who is one of 11 children and the first generation in her family to attend college. “I am trying to mentor them and help them learn to love themselves, love God and serve others. There are so many cultures and languages spoken here. The conversations I see here are so neat. This is what it’s about, making connections and building relationships.”
An important aspect of the office is to encourage and promote first-generation students who may have little knowledge of a college experience prior to coming to Lipscomb.
“I love the relationship piece of this,” said Steele. “We think of these students as if they are our own children. What we are trying to do is to help to be a family tree changer. We see so many parents sacrificing to change the family tree and send their students to college. They may not be familiar with the college process, but they understand the value of a college education for their children. They believe the sacrifice is worth it. We are here to help reinforce that, to make these students feel welcome and to encourage them.”
Sylvia Bearden Braden, coordinator of international student services, is also part of the intercultural development team and serves as a liaison for international students and helps to make their transition to college life in the United States a smooth one.
It is important for universities such as Lipscomb to focus on the diversity of its student body.
“Our philosophy is that Nashville is our classroom, and the world is our campus. Our students are living in an increasingly more global world. The degree to which an institution can reflect the cross-cultural nature around it will empower students to go into the world after they graduate and be confident and effective. It allows them to have an intellectual competency that is a crucial part of their education,” said Scott McDowell, senior vice president for student life. “Our experience with strategically reaching out to young people of different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds has been extremely positive—both for the students and the diversity they bring to our campus. “
For more information about the Intercultural Development office, its services and events, visit multicultural.lipscomb.edu or call 615.966.5215.