Diversity conference draws 200 participants

Huntington, Ind.-The Conference on Christianity, Culture and Diversity in America hosted by Huntington University brought in approximately 200 people from 20 colleges and universities.

"This conference was a positive step forward as we strive to make our campus a place at which people from diverse backgrounds are invited, welcomed and embraced as important contributors in our kingdom community," said Susie Burson, conference chair and assistant professor of education.

The three-day conference, held in November, addressed various diversity-related issues from a Christian perspective. The primary audience members were faculty and staff employed by member schools within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

The plenary speakers for the conference were Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, president and founder of Salter McNeil Associates in Oak Park, Ill.; Dr. John Perkins, founder of the John M. Perkins Foundation in Jackson, Miss.; the Rev. Joe Johns, director of misssional living at Fellowship Missionary Church in Fort Wayne, Ind.; and the Rev. Keith Reynolds, director of spiritual formation and urban discipleship at Fellowship Missionary Church.

Key messages that were discussed included recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty and staff; diversity and social work; diversity in education programs; historical perspectives on diversity; and diversity programs at colleges and universities.

Christian music artist Ayiesha Woods performed at the conference Nov. 15, drawing in Huntington University students as well as attendees of the conference.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).