Pedro Valentin Joins National Conversation About Diversity In Christian Higher Ed

Published: April 13, 2021

GUs Dean of Diversity and Inclusion Pedro Valentin will contribute to the national conversation on diversity in Christian higher education over the next two years as a member of the Commission for Diversity and Inclusion of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

The commission brings together leaders from many CCCU schools to help advise the CCCU on matters relating to diversity and inclusion in higher education. The commission also manages the CCCUs biennial conference on diversity; the next conference is scheduled for 2021.

Im extremely grateful and honored for the opportunity, Valentin said of his appointment.

Valentin sees his appointment to the commission as a chance to expand work he already undertakes at GU.

In his time with the University, Valentin has focused on helping all students thrive in college, not just survive. This is of particular concern for students of color, who face different challenges than their white peers face. In an effort to create an atmosphere of robust thriving, Valentin has:

• Championed and guided the MOSAIC Student Association, a student-run group that brings students of all races and backgrounds together to celebrate diversity on campus.
• Created and directed the MOSAIC Diversity Scholars program, which rewards students who display exemplary academics and commitment to campus diversity. The program just graduated its second class of students in spring 2020.
• Advanced the goals of GUs Office of Diversity and Inclusion: advancing cross-cultural awareness and competencies on campus; encouraging self-reflection and engagement about cross-cultural interaction among students and employees; and maintaining a database of multicultural and cross-cultural training and educational materials.

Valentin hopes his experience will benefit the commission. He also hopes interaction with employees from other CCCU schools will inspire new ideas at GU for helping students thrive.

As higher education continues to evolve and issues of diversity and race continue to play out in the media and on the national political stage, Valentin believes theres no more important time to think critically and deeply about diversity. This is an important moment for Christian Higher Education to reimagine what human flourishing looks like on our campuses, he said.

Related

Faculty and Staff Attend the Voices Conference

Expanding Our Reach, Embracing Diversity

The Office Of Diversity And Inclusion At Greenville University

MOSAIC Diversity Scholars

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