ABOUT DIVERSITY AT MIZZOU
Our Commitment to Diversity at MU
A Letter from Chancellor Brady J. Deaton
I believe it is the duty of the University of Missouri to provide a more inclusive research and learning environment in order to facilitate the success of all our students, faculty, staff and statewide community in a diverse and competitive global society. Indeed, preparing our students to graduate with the skills they need to thrive as global citizens is a necessary function of faculty and staff in this 21st century and underscores the importance of building an institution that promotes inclusive excellence and is welcoming to all.
As our new strategic plan
makes clear, we are committed to preparing our MU community to effectively interact with diverse groups of people at work and in society and we do that in a myriad of ways. Through training and development, opportunities such as Difficult Dialogues and You in Mizzou, we can learn how to interact respectfully, while experiencing the rich diversity and the many differing beliefs of others around us.
With almost 200 of our faculty working in diversity focused areas or conducting diversity-related research at Mizzou, we contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of human experiences and integrate our academic research with the world of policy and action. We inform scholars, students and practitioners of diversity-related research through our Diversity in Action seminar series. This focus in turn informs what we give back to the state through outreach and economic development.
MU offers a wealth of student enrichment programs outside the classroom. The language partners program offered through the Women’s Center is an easy and enjoyable opportunity for our students to partner with non-native English speakers and develop cultural awareness skills. Study abroad programs around the world are available through the International Center to help our students meet new people, build international connections, gain personal confidence and enhance career opportunities. Whether our students join the weekly Multicultural Hour or Collegiate Ambassadors Program, we are committed to giving our students the skills they need to succeed as global citizens.
While we have made progress through the efforts of many programs, there is still much to do in the areas of student, faculty, and staff development; campus climate; curriculum enhancement; and the recruitment and retention of our faculty, staff and students. Fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment provides benefits to our entire community. It challenges our preconceptions and encourages new ways of thinking. It enriches our academic environment and experience. And, it prepares us to work with individuals who differ from us in belief and practice. We are committed to enhancing our institutional diversity and preparing our University community for a rich and diverse future.
I invite you to explore the MizzouDiversity website and discover some of the many offerings our Missouri campus has available for our students, faculty, staff and community.
Brady J. Deaton
Chancellor
