DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

First Virtual Research Conference

INTRODUCING TAPESTRY: JOURNAL OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING IN EDUCATION

The Tapestry: Journal of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Education was established to provide critical insight into research on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in higher education and PK-12 settings. This journal seeks to reach a broad audience in hopes of effectuating positive change throughout the state and nation. As a peer-reviewed research publication, Tapestry addresses various topics related to the education of diverse learners and hopes to become an essential resource for practitioners, leaders and scholars desiring to improve or enhance educational practices.

The first online edition of Tapestry was published in June 2023 and can be accessed at digitalcommons.acu.edu/deie.

“God’s goodness and beauty is seen most clearly when the diversity of humanity lives in an equitable, inclusive and right relationship with one another. Black, Indigenous and People of Color continue to experience a society where they often lack the same access, opportunity and privilege as their white brothers and sisters. Few places demonstrate this more than our educational systems, and those committed to Christian higher education have a moral responsibility to speak up. This journal is a small attempt to join that work.”

– Dr. Ben Ries (‘06 M.Div.)

Former Dean of Vocational Formation, Dallas Campus

Under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Butcher and with the assistance of Dr. Sandra Cleveland and Dr. Meghan Hope, ACU Dallas hosted its first virtual conference focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging titled “Inclusive Excellence: Strategies for Achieving Equity and Belonging” on June 16, 2023. With over 100 participants logging in throughout the day, attendees heard insightful presentations from a diverse group of researchers, scholars, practitioners and advocates interested in exploring the intersections of DEIB and its impact on students and communities in the public and private sectors.

The conference presenters were Courtney Brazile, Jesiah Brock, Dr. Natalee Calais (‘23), Hillman Evans IV, Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes (‘20), Dr. Tara Jones (‘23), Trapper Pace, Dr. Jacquelyn Timmons (‘23), and Bashelia H. Ward. All of the presenters are either current ACU Online Ed.D. students or alumni.

Creating Equitable And Inclusive Curriculum For Acu Online Students

Dr. Brian Cole, associate professor in the School of Educational Leadership and program director for the Master of Arts in Higher Education, is passionate about engaging in diverse and inclusive pedagogies. Through a two-year fellowship with the Duncum Center Solutions, Cole worked with more than 60 program directors and designated lead faculty to process 240 curriculum updates in ACU Dallas’ 475-course catalog. Additionally, he attended regular meetings with the Learning Design and Operations division and the instructional design team and provided training on creating equitable and inclusive curricula to ACU Dallas course developers.

Cole was the first recipient of the Duncum Center’s faculty fellowship. He also served as an inaugural member of the ACU Dallas Diversity Action Council, where he worked to promote and support DEI education, scholarship and culturally responsive teaching to enrich the educational experience for all ACU community members.

Dsa Members Present At National Conference

Five Diverse Student Alliance (DSA) members presented at the National Association of African American Studies conference on February 17, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. During a panel presentation entitled “Connect, Coach, and Cultivate: The Importance of Mentoring Students of Color in Graduate Online Programs,” Ed.D. students (pictured left to right) Tina Patterson, Traci Ramsey, Courtney Brazile, Patrice Hall and LaShae Grottis discussed their experiences in a pilot mentoring program while highlighting the importance of professional support in academia.

The program was conducted with members of the Diverse Student Alliance and ran from Spring 1 2023 to Spring 2 2023. A total of 15 participants were involved in the program.

“The pilot mentorship program for the Diverse Student Alliance positively impacted the members of the organization by fostering personal and professional growth, providing guidance and support, and facilitating valuable connections that will benefit the students during their time at ACU Online.”

– Dr. Jennifer Butcher Vice President

of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Dallas Campus

Dei Summit

Their research paper, “Connect, Coach and Cultivate: The Importance of Mentoring Students of Color in Graduate Online Programs,” was published in the June 2023 issue of Tapestry: Journal of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Education.

The Diverse Student Alliance provides a safe space for students of color to share experiences, support one another, make personal connections and have a collective voice to address needs and concerns. The DSA also fosters a space for students to laugh, play and become more comfortable engaging in an online learning environment.

Pilot Mentorship Program

ACU Dallas facilitated a pilot mentorship program between ACU Online students and faculty to meet students’ needs. Two interest meetings (one with faculty and one with students) were held to describe the program and receive initial questions and feedback from faculty and students. From there, those interested were invited to round table discussions between students and faculty. A survey was used to collect data which assisted in the mentor/mentee matchups. Once matched, participants engaged in weekly written check-ins, monthly mentorship meetings and attendance at once-per-term round tables.

ACU Dallas held its third annual DEI Summit virtually on June 15, 2023. The DEI Summit was created to build the university’s capacity to advance its diversity, equity and inclusion goals and priorities. It seeks to accomplish this by supporting the professional development of ACU Dallas employees, including executive-level staff.

This year’s DEI Summit presenter was Dr. Jimmy McCarty, director of the Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program and assistant clinical professor of Religion and Conflict Transformation for Boston University School of Theology. Dr. McCarty facilitated the following four sessions: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is not Firefighting: Preparing for and Responding to Campus Crises; Organizational Change through a Reparative Lens: Grassroots Lessons for Institutional Transformation; Supervision and the Work of Belonging: Practical Tools for Managers and Supervisors; and From Pentecost to the Beloved Community: The Christian Moral Imagination of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.