Maurice Gipson, vice chancellor for inclusion, diversity and equity at the University of Missouri, is among 14 higher education administrators selected to participate in a weeklong educational trip to Israel with the Academic Engagement Network (AEN). The trip is the capstone to the Signature Seminar Series, a project of AEN’s Improving the Campus Climate Initiative, which brings together campus administrators to learn more about the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity, the global diversity of the Jewish people, historical and contemporary antisemitism, and strategies to improve inclusion of Jewish and all students on campus.

During their time in Israel, the participants will visit academic institutions and speak with senior administrators, faculty and students about their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, provide opportunities to disadvantaged communities, and model constructive dialogue and engagement during times of tension.

Gipson is excited to apply what he learns in Israel to his work at the University of Missouri. “At MU we strive to create a campus environment that values diversity and is welcoming and inclusive. This experience will help guide us further in that pursuit,” he said.

AEN is an academic nonprofit organization that collaborates with faculty and administrators on U.S. campuses to counter antisemitism, promote education about contemporary Israel and support academic freedom. Please visit the Academic Engagement Network for more information.