Diversity at Christian Colleges : It’s A bout the Mission

1. Diversity at Christian Colleges: It’s About the Mission Joel Perez, Ph.D. Dean of Transitions and Inclusion, George Fox University

2. The Research • The focus was to go beyond issues of access and success (enrollment), campus climate, and educational and scholarly mission (curriculum) • The focus was on institutional vitality and viability (mission and sustaining efforts over a long period of time)

3. Research Question #1 • For institutions that have shown some evidence of a commitment to diversity using Smith’s (2009) dimensions of diversity, what drives these efforts? • What role, if any, do their missions play in driving the change? • Does tension exist between their missions and diversity?

4. Research Question #2 • How have institutions linked their diversity work with their history and theology? • If they have linked their efforts to their theology, what biblical texts do they use to make that link? • Are there events in the institution’s or their denomination’s history that either hinder or help change in the area of diversity?

5. Research Question #3 • What types of efforts are being made to facilitate change in the area of diversity? • How are they coordinating their efforts? • How are they monitoring their progress?

6. Methodology • Case studies at four institutions that are members of the CCCU • Intercultural University – Denominational institution (Mainline) in the Northwest. • Peace College – Denominational institution (Peace Church) in the Midwest. • Unity College – Non-denominational institution in the Southwest. • Inclusive University – Denominational institution (a historically small evangelical denomination on the East Coast.

7. Methodology • Data collection • Document analysis • Website analysis • Institutional data • Interviews were conducted • Cross-case analysis organized using Smith’s (2009) framework

8. Findings • All four institutions were making progress in each dimension • All four institutions share drivers that motivate them to become more diverse • Mission • Biblical basis for diversity • Tension between their mission and aspects of diversity • Sexual orientation • Religious • Academic quality and diversity

9. Findings • None of the institutions are monitoring and coordinating efforts effectively • Institutional leadership essential in sustaining efforts • Two institutions are positioned to sustain their efforts • Intercultural University • Unity College

10. Implications for Practice • Starts with mission and theology • Leadership is vital • Tension should be acknowledged and accepted • A framework for institutional change necessary • Leveraging history to make progress • Identification/employment of a chief diversity officer

11. Implications for Practice • Diversifying the board of trustees • Hiring an ethnically diverse workforce • Faculty development • Use of scholarships for increasing enrollment • Programs remain important