New Leaders to Champion CSP's Diversity Efforts

CSP has long prided itself on the diversity of its student body and finding meaningful ways to engage and support the success of all students. With the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the subsequent civil unrest and conversations about race and racism that continue today, the importance of staff members who lead CSP’s diversity efforts is amplified.

AQUEELAH ROBERSON

IN FEBRUARY 2021, AQUEELAH ROBERSON BEGAN HER ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF THE DR. CHERYL T. CHATMAN DIVERSITY CENTER.

Originally from North Carolina, Roberson made Minnesota her home 14 years ago. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from North Carolina Central University (Durham, N.C). Following her tenure at NCCU, she studied at the Conservatory Theatre at the University of Central Florida where she received her Master of Fine Arts. She is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at CSP.

Previously, Roberson taught career readiness in Minneapolis Public Schools. Over the past 13 years, she has cultivated community connections that supported and encouraged student success.

In her spare time, Roberson serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Cities, directs plays, and works with a mentoring program called BLOSSOM with girls aged 7-18.

The Chatman Diversity Center serves as an important hub and resource for all topics related to diversity at CSP. The Center’s mission is to provide vision and leadership for the university’s diversity efforts through creative programming, effective consultation, and continuous collaboration for the campus community. The office sponsors cross-cultural programs and activities that provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue, interactions, and experiences that increase the knowledge, appreciation, trust, and respect for students from all cultures.

“I am honored to be chosen to serve the CSP community as director of the Chatman Diversity Center,” Roberson said. “It is the marriage of applying scripture consistently and conscientiously, informing the community of the Christian worldview, and walking out my purpose and a high regard for humanity.”

MYCHAL THOM

MYCHAL THOM HAS ACCEPTED A DIVINE CALL TO SERVE AS ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ACADEMIC INNOVATION AND CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER AT CSP. THOM WILL BEGIN THIS NEW ROLE ON THE UNIVERSITY’S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM THIS SUMMER.

Thom most recently served as Head of School at Concordia Lutheran High School (Fort Wayne, Ind.) from 2016-2021. Thom is on the roster of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as a Minister of Religion-Commissioned.

In his role as Associate Dean for Academic Innovation, Thom will focus extensively on supporting CSP’s goal of adding between two and four new programs annually, aligned with CSP’s growth plans. He will also teach courses in biological and health sciences.

As Chief Diversity Officer, Thom will work with stakeholders across the CSP community to help champion a mindset of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:17-18) and the advancement of justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). Working closely with the expanding Chatman Diversity Center, Thom will help the team grow the visibility and impact of this important fixture within the CSP community.

“What excites me the most about this position is the opportunity to meet children of God in a new place and different area, and appreciate the diversity of God’s creation,” Thom explained. “I very much enjoy learning about the stories that individuals bring to the table and to be a part of their life journey, even if only for a little while. Being able to help people along their journey to discover the passion and purpose of their life, in accordance with God’s will, is tremendously exciting.”

Thom holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Oakland University (Rochester, Mich.). In 2009, he completed the Colloquy program at Concordia University Ann Arbor.

“Mychal’s work among us will increase the University’s capacity to help meet the needs of our diverse faculty, staff, alumni, student body, and external constituencies as he helps enable our executive leadership team and board to achieve the outcomes of our ambitious and dynamic strategic and diversity plans,” said President Brian Friedrich.

“As my family and I look forward to joining the CSP community, we were drawn to the energy of the campus and the moativation to make a Christ-like difference in the community,” Thom said. “We look forward to the opportunities that a university campus brings, as well as what the Twin Cities has to offer.”

— Story by Danielle Sarim, BA ‘12, Marketing Copywriter in CSP's Office of Marketing and Communications; and Billy Schultz, BA ‘08, MA ‘11. | Photos: Aqueelah by Nick Schroepfer, BA ‘18; Mychal courtesy of Mychal Thom