Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion kicks off Lecture Series, teaching for Inclusive Excellence Seminar Series

Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion kicks off Lecture Series, teaching for Inclusive Excellence Seminar Series

Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion kicks off Lecture Series, teaching for Inclusive Excellence Seminar Series

To reflect the institution’s commitment to embracing multiculturalism and building community, the Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion held the first installment of the Diversity & Inclusion Arts and Lecture Series September 13, 2013, with a dynamic address by Dr. Derrick Brooms, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Louisville. Brooms’ talk emphasized the importance of resilience in maintaining focus on accomplishing goals, weaving in lessons from personal and cultural history to illustrate his points. He engaged the audience in a conversation about things that motivate us and what it takes to be successful. Dr. Brooms encouraged the students to “pursue excellence and don’t be satisfied with where you are now. Bring in your ‘A’ game with the key elements being ‘attitude’, ‘aspirations’, ‘awareness’, ‘assistance’, ‘accountability’ and ‘adaptability’. Be excited to learn, share and move forward.”

After the talk, the Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion kicked off the Teaching for Inclusive Excellence Seminar Series, creating space for faculty to share best practices around building inclusive classrooms. Dr. Brooms shared initial thoughts and facilitated a lively discussion around strategies for teaching and ways to build empowering relationships with students. “The conversation was very interesting, and I’m excited about learning more,” said Ms. Judy Smith, instructor of Spanish. Each month, the series will feature an Alcorn faculty member as facilitator.

Dr. Brooms continued his tour of Alcorn speaking with participants engaged in the M.A.D.E. Men program, an initiative designed for men at Alcorn to be role models and difference makers in the lives of males in the local community, as well as a workshop on graduate school for students in the Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Programs.

“My experience at Alcorn was truly rewarding, particularly because of the wonderful interaction with the great students here,” said Brooms.

Dr. Derek Greenfield, director of Educational Equity and Inclusion at Alcorn stated, “We appreciated Dr. Brooms’ brilliance and passion for this work, and I know that our campus community is better because of his presence.”

For more information, please contact Dr. Greenfield at 601.877.6700 or [email protected] .

Pictured: Dr. Brooms addressing Alcorn students.