In The Margins

In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley, a distinguished scholar, author, and academic leader. As founder of the African American Studies program at George Mason University and former Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity at Case Western Reserve University, Mobley has spent decades shaping conversations on race, gender, and social justice — now serving as a diversity consultant. Mobley shares her journey as a literary scholar and how she helped establish the Toni Morrison Society, dedicated to preserving Morrison's legacy. Her conversation with Diverse host Ralph Newell dives deep into Morrison's impact on literature and culture, exploring her masterful use of language, space, and identity. Mobley also discusses her book Toni Morrison and the Geo-Poetics of Place, Race, and Belonging, examining how Morrison's work navigates identity, history, and the power of storytelling. Explore the transformative power of language and the necessity of creating spaces for belonging and justice in this inspiring conversation. Tune in. KEY POINTS: - Mobley's academic journey as a professor of English and African American Studies - Founding of the Toni Morrison Society in 1993, with 26 professors recognizing Morrison's literary significance before her Nobel Prize - Morrison's unique approach to writing, focusing on imagination, joy, and resilience beyond oppression - The Geo-poetics concept: how writers use space and language to create meaning - Insights from Morrison's Nobel Lecture, its power of language in connection or division - Strategies for social justice (inspired by Civil Rights Movement tactics): finding spaces to strategize, building new coalitions - Challenges of current DEI work and the importance of imagination in responding to systemic oppression - Final thought: Who would play Mobley in a movie? QUOTES: "The only grace you have is the grace you can imagine." – Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley "Language is all we have, and the misuse of language will continue to shape our lives." – Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley "People can use language to assault one another [or] to undermine one another. And when you have a genuine encounter, let your biases drop away, and listen to the other—you can engage in an actual dialogue." – Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley RESOURCES: The Toni Morrison Society Toni Morrison and the Geopoetics of Place, Race, and Be/longing Diverse Top Women Honoree, 2013 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode we feature author and creator of the un/HUSH Framework, Dr. Marlee Bunch, to discuss the development of her framework for dealing with the challenges of implementing diverse narratives in today's educational settings. Bunch shares how her experiences as an educator in diverse, low-income schools led her to pursue a doctorate focused on the oral histories of Black female educators in Mississippi during the civil rights era. She also explains how their stories informed the un/HUSH Framework, which emphasizes the following principles: uniting, naming, history, unlearning, stories, and healing as means of addressing systemic racism and inequities in education. In conversation with Diverse host David Pluviose, Bunch also delves into the challenges of implementing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives in the current political climate, stressing the importance of community engagement, voting, and continuing to uplift underrepresented narratives, as well as her culturally responsive teaching standards and her upcoming books. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the development of her groundbreaking framework, centering historically marginalized voices and perspectives in secondary and post-secondary education. This is the final episode in our two-part Black History Month Series. In case you missed it, check out part one: From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey with Dr. George A. Pruitt | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education KEY POINTS: - Bunch's education, and career journey in teaching - Bunch's experience teaching primarily in diverse, low-income schools - The history of Black and brown educators - The importance of Mississippi historically and its indicator of broader issues in the U.S. - Development of the un/HUSH Framework and its five principles - Challenges of implementing DEI in schools, discussions on systemic racism and oppression - The significance of community immersion in culturally responsive teaching, extending beyond the classrooms - Bunch's upcoming publications, Unlearning the Hush: Oral Histories of Black Female Educators in Mississippi in the Civil Rights Era and Leveraging AI for Human-Centered Learning: Culturally Responsive and Social-Emotional Classroom Practice in Grades 6-12 - Words of encouragement for educators experiencing racial battle fatigue - The critical need to document and share the historical stories of Black educators for future generations QUOTES: "My goal in listening to those oral histories was to discover how we can use the lessons of the past and these incredible educators to guide how we navigate 21st century classrooms." – Dr. Marlee Bunch "If we can do this work together and find a way to support one another, we will get through it. We've done it all throughout history, and here we are." – Dr. Marlee Bunch "If there's so much work being done to suppress and silence our history, I'm going to keep illuminating it, and hope that in doing so and in sharing this incredible history and our stories that it inspires other people to carry forward that work that was done before us." – Dr. Marlee Bunch RESOURCES: Dr. Marlee Bunch, author and creator of un/HUSH Framework The Magnitude of Us: An Educator's Guide to Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms | Teachers Press FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode, we welcome Dr. George A. Pruitt, Thomas Edison State University president emeritus, for a thought-provoking discussion highlighting the past, present, and future of the civil rights movement, the importance of celebrating diverse histories, and the ongoing struggle for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education and beyond. Pruitt also offers a glimpse into his new book: From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey through the Emergence of Adult Education and the Birth of Distance Learning. Throughout the conversation with Diverse host Ralph Newell, Pruitt shares his personal experiences as a young activist in the 1960s and 70s, recounting his encounters with iconic figures like Malcolm X and Fred Hampton. He also reflects on the legacy of John Lewis and the critical role of service-oriented leadership in driving meaningful change. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of Pruitt's distinguished career in higher education, including his groundbreaking work at Thomas Edison State University, where he pioneered innovative approaches to adult and distance learning. Tune in and learn more about exploring the current landscape of higher education leadership and the importance of mentoring the next generation. This is part one of our 2025 Black History Month series. Tune in February 27 as we host Dr. Marlee S. Bunch. Her research focuses on the oral histories of Black female educators in Mississippi who taught between 1954-1970. KEY POINTS: - Pruitt's take on Black History Month and other heritage-related national holidays - The legacy of John Lewis and the importance of his service - Fred Hampton and his impact on civil rights - Pruitt's career background and inspiration to pursue higher ed - Experiences working at Illinois State University, influential mentors, and the decision to pursue the presidency in higher ed - Introduction to new book: From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey through the Emergence of Adult Education and the Birth of Distance Learning - Psychological challenges associated with activism and the importance of self-reliance, courage, and owning one's life and decisions. - The impact of mentors and the need for a service-oriented approach to higher ed leadership. - The importance of engagement, resilience, and the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). - Pruitt's advice: Keep up the fight, stay engaged and don't give up. QUOTES: "I never aspired to the presidency out of any sense of personal ambition. That was not why I was interested. I had gotten invested in higher education — I wanted to reform it. I wanted to change it." - Dr. George A. Pruitt "I see a contemporary world where we are distracted by personal ambition, personal advancement, personal achievement, [and] personal success. Those are all wonderful things, but those things are important when they're in the context of service to others and our community." - Dr. George A. Pruitt "It's nice to have a national holiday that pays attention to the unique contributions of various parts of our country, history, and democracy, but, we have the opportunity to decide for ourselves what and when we're going to celebrate our history and our contribution to American life and history." – Dr. George A. Pruitt RESOURCES: From Protest to President - Rutgers University Press FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

Dr. Susan R. Burns, President of the University of Mount Saint Vincent, is a first-generation college graduate dedicated to making higher education accessible for all. The conversation highlights her innovative strategies to support diverse students, including the Mott Street Scholarship and holistic counseling services. Burns also shares insights on fostering an inclusive environment amidst financial barriers while enhancing social mobility. Listeners will discover how her leadership redefines educational success through practical support and community engagement.

In this episode, we sit down for an insightful conversation with Sarita E. Brown (president) and Deborah A. Santiago (CEO) of Excelencia in Education. Together, they discuss the organization's mission and its transformative journey over the past two decades. As co-founders, Brown and Santiago reflect on their decision to create Excelencia with a vision to amplify the Latinx voice in higher education policy. Over the years, the organization has evolved from a focus on providing data and research to forging impactful partnerships with institutions to drive meaningful change. Both emphasize the critical role of trust, intentionality, and shared vision in their leadership model. Tune in, hear inspiring success stories, and learn more about the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network and recognition for exemplary practitioner-led programs. This episode also explores opportunities for partnerships with civic and community organizations beyond the higher education sector and navigating equity work post-2024 election. Moderated by Diverse host Ralph Newell, join us as we celebrate two milestones—Excelencia in Education's 20th anniversary and Diverse's 40th year—gaining valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to advance equity and success for Latino students. KEY POINTS: - Meet the co-founders of Excelencia in Education, learn how they started - The strategic plan — data & research, evidence-based practices, and leadership - Mission to drive positive attention to effective programs and practices - Overcoming infrastructure challenges - The future of higher education and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) - Adapting to policy changes and new administration - Financial aid impact on Latino students - Ensuring the Seal of Excelencia remains a valuable tool for institutions RESOURCES: Our Story | Excelencia in Education FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode we welcome Dr. Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Listen in as Pérez and Diverse host Ralph Newell delve into the potential implications of the 2024 election on federal education policies, focusing on the challenges faced by underrepresented students. Pérez emphasizes the critical need for equitable access to higher education, and the importance of supporting mental health for students and professionals. Pérez also explores NACAC's response to the recent Supreme Court rulings affecting college admission policies. Highlighting the organization's efforts to sustain diversity and equity through strategic partnerships with community organizations. Don't miss this timely discussion on a whole host of issues surrounding admissions, leadership and DEI advocacy in higher education in today's political landscape. KEY POINTS: - Impact of the 2024 US Presidential election, especially for underrepresented students - NACAC's vision for supporting mental health issues on college campuses - Key steps to address concerns on the Department of Education's potential elimination - Growth plan: NACAC's creation of the Center for Reimagining College Access - The need for support from corporations, foundations, and a "Coalition of the Willing" - Perez's journey and how it shaped his approach to equity in higher education - AI in the admissions process - NACAC's efforts to help colleges maintain diversity and equity - DEI progress in higher education and its challenges -Remembering Frank Burtnett, former NACAC executive director and Diverse contributor QUOTES: "We are not only moving forward, we are determined to build what we're going to need. This is my call to action – we're going to need a coalition of willing organizations." — Dr. Angel B. Pérez "It's going to be really important that corporations and those that have resources get involved, because we need to think about these issues, not just through a college access perspective, but through a workforce development perspective." — Dr. Angel B. Pérez RESOURCES: Dr. Angel B. Pérez NACAC - Meet-the-team FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode, we share a replay of the October 8th roundtable discussion "Justice for Marcus Garvey." Presented by Broadleaf Books, in partnership with the African American Literary Book Club, The Harlem Writers Guild, and Diverse, this discussion is a tribute to and a rallying cry for one of the preeminent champions of Black pride and self-determination. Join Marcus Garvey's son, Dr. Julius Garvey along with: Alyssa Miller (moderator), Diane Richards, W. Paul Coates, Dr. Goulda Downer, Safiya Parker-Norman, Rev. Yvonne Hawkins, and Dr. Ayo Sekai. Discover how the "Black Is Beautiful" movement has been influenced by Garveyism and learn more about the new book Justice for Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind, which features a foreword by acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Tune in as panelists keep the flame of Marcus Garvey's legacy alive and inspire the next generation of social justice activists. KEY POINTS: - How Garvey's philosophy of Pan-Africanism, emphasizing the dignity and unity of the African diaspora, inspired later civil rights and independence movements. - How the Negro World newspaper and the Black Star Line shipping company demonstrated Garvey's vision for economic self-determination and independence for Black communities. - The legal case against Garvey, which resulted in his conviction for mail fraud in 1923, was seen as a politically motivated attempt to undermine his influential movement. - Ongoing efforts preserve Garvey's legacy and the need to correct historical injustices. - The pivotal role of scholarship, publishing, and archiving Garvey's works. QUOTABLES: "Marcus Garvey articulated a particular philosophy that was African based in terms of the autonomy and the sovereignty of African people in terms of their history, traditions, and culture. The world at that time, certainly, the country at that time was basically quite racist… Capitalism is a racist economical system. It's built on the backs of African people." – Dr. Julius Garvey "We will not lose courage. We will not lose faith. We will go forward and take advantage of every opportunity and where there's none, we will make it for ourselves." - The Honorable Marcus Garvey; as quoted by Paul Coates GUEST RESOURCES: Justice for Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind with a foreword by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Julius Garvey (Editor), Ta-Nehisi Coates (Foreword) FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this engaging discussion, guests Volker Janssen, a history professor focused on educational equity, and Katherine Powers, principal investigator for Project upGRADS, share insights into their groundbreaking initiative at CSU Fullerton. They delve into the barriers Latinx students face in graduate education and the program’s success in enhancing graduation rates. The duo also highlights the critical need for faculty training to create culturally responsive environments. Plus, they discuss future funding plans and personal reflections on work-life balance and student financial struggles.

In this episode we sit down with Michael Heim, the Director of Migrant Education Student Access & Support (MESAS) at Washington State University Pullman (WSU). Heim has overseen both the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) at WSU for seven years. Under his leadership, WSU CAMP has been selected as this year's Example of Excelencia at the baccalaureate level. Created in 2005 by Excelencia in Education, Examples of Excelencia is a national initiative that identifies and promotes evidence-based practices improving Latinx student success in higher education. Tune in as Heim, and Diverse host Ralph Newell, dive deep into the inner workings of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which supports students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds during their first year of college. WSU's CAMP serves a cohort of Latinx students annually, focusing on retention through evidence-based practices that positively impact these students' educational journeys. Despite its successes, the conversation also explores the challenges CAMP faces, such as the need for continued support beyond the first year and the role of community partnerships in sustaining student success. This is the third feature in our series of four schools being recognized in 2024 by Excelencia in Education. In case you missed it, check out our prior episode featuring this year's Example of Excelencia at the associate level: Getting to Know the EAP program at Reading Area Community College episode. KEY POINTS: - WSU emphasizes diversity, focusing on its growing Latinx population. - CAMP supports students facing challenges, leading to a 10% higher graduation rate. - More funding could further boost CAMP's retention and graduation outcomes. - How Heim's work with CAMP has shaped his views on education access for underserved groups. - Ongoing support from K-12 to higher ed is vital for migrant students. - The University of Idaho tragedy underscores the need to validate student concerns and build trust. - WSU and University of Idaho CAMP programs foster community among migrant students. QUOTABLES: "CAMP is a program specifically designed to help students who come from a background in migrant and seasonal farm working to have success during the first year and transition into their second year. – Michael Heim "The stronger the foundation for that student, the more successful they'll be later." – Michael Heim "The goal is to really serve the state as a land grant institution. We've noticed that at least one sector is kind of growing pretty quickly and that population is our Latinx student population." – Michael Heim GUEST RESOURCES: Michael Heim Examples of Excelencia | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

Tune in as Clarissa Martínez De Castro, Vice President of the Latino Vote Initiative at UnidosUS, discusses the need for accurate information and education to ensure full election participation and encourage eligible Latino voters to register to vote. Committed to strengthening civil society, De Castro spearheads initiatives that emphasize the significance of ongoing, year-round voter empowerment and engagement efforts. She highlights the importance of voter registration and turnout among Latino youth. Join in as she, along with Diverse host Ralph Newell, take a deep look at how the Latino Vote Initiative works to increase civic engagement and voter registration among Latino communities — registering 150,000 voters by the end of the cycle. Despite being a significant voting bloc, De Castro shares that Latinos often face voter suppression and lack of outreach challenges. This discussion is part-two of our Election 2024 two-part series. In part-one we looked at Voter Suppression and the Importance of Minoritized Youth Voting in the United States with Dr. Carol Anderson. KEY POINTS: - The Latino Vote Initiative seeks to increase understanding and empower communities in the electoral process. - 8 out of 10 Latinos in the U.S. are citizens, and 9 out of 10 under age 18 are citizens, dispelling common misconceptions. - The initiative is driving voter registration efforts, including digital outreach to over 150,000 new Latino voters. - A key focus is educating first-time and young Latino voters on their rights and voting options. - Voter suppression tactics, such as false immigration voting claims and voter purges, present challenges for Latino voters. - Economic concerns like cost of living, jobs, and healthcare are top priorities for Latino voters. - Lack of outreach from politicians and political parties has contributed to apathy among young Latino voters. QUOTABLES: "The reality is that the majority of Latinos in this country are United States citizens. Eight out of 10 Latinos are United States citizens." – Clarissa Martínez De Castro "The work we do on the agency side —- registration, education, and get out the vote, and then on the narrative side – an accurate understanding of these voters. We do very robust polling." – Clarissa Martínez De Castro GUEST RESOURCES: Clarissa Martínez De Castro UnidosUS - Latino civil rights and advocacy FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).