In The Margins

Dr. Daman Harris, cofounder of the BOND Project, discusses anti-racist education, addressing systemic inequalities, and the value of diversity in professional learning. They also explore unraveling unconscious biases, confronting white supremacist culture, and the impact of socialization into racial categories. This episode navigates key issues shaping education and equity today.

In this episode, we sit with leaders behind the Diverse Organizational Impact and Transformation certification program, DOIT.   Tune in as Dr. Ken D. Coopwood, CEO of Coopwood Diversity Leadership & Education Universal (Coop Di Leu), and Dr. William B. Harvey, a distinguished scholar at the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity in Washington, D.C., join host Ralph Newell to discuss the significance of accountability in higher education institutions, provide insights on the DOIT Certification, and explain the pivotal role institutions of higher learning play in a democratic society.   Coopwood and Harvey break down DOIT’s four pillars for institutional transformation (from representational diversity to campus climate), debate views on critical race theory, and share helpful advice to help leaders address issues in diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Do not miss out on this episode as our guests spotlight the critical need to track diversity progress in today’s climate.   KEY POINTS: On the importance of accountability in higher education institutions Coopwood’s insights on the DOIT Certification What are the four (4) institutional pillars for transformation? The vital role of institutions of higher learning in a democratic society Critical race theory and its misrepresentation in institutions SCOTUS decision, and how can institutions achieve diversity? The pivotal role of transformational leadership to better support students On addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education What are the necessary steps for the DOIT certification?   QUOTABLES: “These institutions – public or private, large or small, irrespective of location, irrespective of their fundamental [and] foundational aspects – they exist to make the society better.” —  Dr. William B. Harvey   “We need institutional leaders to be futuristic, and their approach [to] science education, now more than ever — because without that, you're not going to ask the right questions, you're not going to address the historical illusion, and you're not going to be equipped to write a new narrative. And those things are the premises.” – Dr. Ken D. Coopwood ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:   Diverse Organizational Impact and Transformation Certification | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education (diverseeducation.com)   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 live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.  

Meet Dr. Brian H. Williams, a distinguished trauma surgeon and author of The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal.   In this episode, Diverse host David Pluviose engages in a conversation with the Air Force Academy graduate and Harvard University-trained surgeon on the intersection between public policy and critical issues like structural racism, gun violence, and health equity.   Williams is a professor specializing in trauma and acute care surgery at the University of Chicago Medicine. His impactful work and insights have garnered recognition worldwide. With over two decades of expertise in treating victims of gun violence, Williams has also served as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellow at the National Academy of Medicine.   Explore Williams' remarkable journey, from the trauma bay to his current political campaign, as he passionately discusses solutions to address systemic issues, healthcare disparities, and the ongoing struggle for justice. We also dive deep into the emotional aftermath of the Dallas mass shooting, a pivotal moment that ignited Williams' commitment to broader societal healing.   So, join Pluviose and Williams in this thought-provoking discussion about transformative healing.   *As a bonus to this episode Williams has graciously offered one podcast listener a free signed copy of his book. To be eligible, let us know you have listened and share feedback @DiverseIssues on X (formerly Twitter). We want to hear from you by Dec. 31. Enjoy!   KEY POINTS:   - Williams’ reflection on how the Dallas mass shooting served as his career’s pivotal moment - The importance of having a personal healing journey - The impact of witnessing gun violence firsthand as a trauma surgeon - A glimpse into the writing process for The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal  - Identification of strategies to create a system change, uplift the community, and address healthcare disparities - Factors that led to Williams’ pursuing a candidacy in the Congress - How journaling can help in processing one’s emotions  - The importance of empathy and understanding in the face of tragedy - William’s advocacy for gun safety policies   QUOTABLES:   “I say this frequently. I didn't choose trauma surgery; trauma surgery chose me.” – Dr. Brian Williams   "We have a majority of Americans that want to do something to reduce needless death and suffering due to firearms." – Dr. Brian Williams   GUEST RESOURCES:   Dr. Brian Williams    Website: https://brianwilliamsmd.com/ X (formerly Twitter): @bhwilliamsmd LinkedIn: @bhwilliamsmd Instagram: @BrianHWilliamsMD   Book: The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal. To purchase, go to https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506483122/The-Bodies-Keep-Coming    OR 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 live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

Dr. Kimberly Britt, President of Phoenix College, discusses the college's commitment to Latino student success, including various initiatives in academic and personal development. The importance of family involvement, programs reducing barriers in STEM education, addressing mental health challenges, and the significance of self-expression and cultural identity within higher education are also highlighted.

Dr. Sol Gittleman, renowned professor, explores the dynamic nature of American higher education. They discuss the evolution of the system, impact of World War II, challenges faced by faculty, COVID-19 effects, college closings, diversity initiatives, and importance of studying American history.

In this episode, Diverse welcomes Dr. Mark Brown, the executive director of the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI). Brown joins podcast host David Pluviose in exploring the initiative’s mission and vision for addressing the enduring challenges posed by student debt and the wealth gap in America.   Brown sheds light on the genesis of SFI at Morehouse College, initiated by philanthropist Robert F. Smith, and how it has expanded to benefit not only historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) but tribal colleges. SFI is a modern funding, transformative educational program designed to address common economic challenges and enhance information technology infrastructure. The initiative seeks to ensure perpetual support for participating schools to bridge wealth gaps and diversify talent pipelines. It offers innovative income-contingent agreements for STEM students that enable flexible income-based repayments. SFI further invests in students through grants for non-tuition-related emergencies and financial management courses.   Discover how SFI is pioneering this innovative approach to education financing with partnerships and an aim toward a groundbreaking endowment without walls. Tune into the conversation between Brown and Pluviose as they underscore the importance of expanding the initiative's reach and invite others to join in the journey.   KEY POINTS: - Understanding SFI's vision to bridge the wealth gap through education - Empowering students with alternatives such as income-contingent agreements and parent-plus loans - Financial literacy for college students, parents, and underrepresented groups - HBCU partnerships that create job opportunities and certifications - The ultimate goal, achieving a $500 million endowment without walls by 2028 - Why join the movement for economic empowerment   QUOTABLES: "Our focus of all those things, and where they weave together, is the wealth gap in America through the lens of education." – Dr. Mark Brown “By the year 2028, we need a $500 million endowment without walls for all of our participating schools. It needs to be unique in this way. Some of the resources that are in that $500 million are philanthropic for sure.” – Dr. Mark Brown   GUEST RESOURCES: Student Freedom Initiative Partners with New Investment Fund to Raise the Capital of HBCUs. The historic fund launches a $10.35M growth fund for participating HBCUs. Read the full article: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230606005191/en/Student-Freedom-Initiative-Partners-With-New-Investment-Fund-to-Raise-the-Capital-of-HBCUs Check out the Student Freedom Initiative website, here.   OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 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 Transcription services are available upon request. Please drop us a line using the form found here. WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation

In this episode, Diverse host David Pluviose welcomes two distinguished guests, Dr. Alonzo Plough and Dr. Thomas LaVeist. Plough is vice president of Research-Evaluation-Learning and chief science officer for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. LaVeist is dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University and chair-elect of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).   Plough and LaVeist share the challenges universities face, particularly in their efforts to foster diversity and inclusion. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on health disparities and the valuable lessons learned from the pandemic. LaVeist stresses the influence of social factors and racial segregation on health inequalities, while Plough highlights the importance of addressing inequity in public health practice and academia. They also explore their involvement in the recently established program, Transforming Academia for Equity, and shed light on large-scale initiatives, such as those led by ASPPH, that aim to transform institutions.   This episode serves as a call to action, urging institutions to engage with these programs and initiatives to contribute to the vital work of closing health equity gaps. So, join the conversation and find out how academia can better serve marginalized communities and tackle health disparities effectively.   KEY POINTS: - Dr. Thomas LaVeist’s transition to health inequity research - Dr. Plough’s activist roots and journey to public health - Social factors and the role of racial segregation in COVID-19 disparities - Uncovering weaknesses in the U.S. public health system during the pandemic - The importance of fostering dynamic community partnerships in schools of public health - The necessity of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion cultural competency and improving the workforce - Transforming academia with an equity program and how it can help address inequalities - The importance of diverse leadership in academia - Developing the next generation of equity-focused leaders QUOTABLES: "The social factors, political issues, economic issues, can be as important as biological issues in determining the health of populations." - Dr. Thomas LaVeist "The COVID-19 outbreak continues to be something that amplifies marginality and unfair health outcomes, and it should’ve been more than a teaching moment."- Dr. Alonzo Plough   GUEST RESOURCES: Learn about Dr. Thomas LaVeist at https://sph.tulane.edu/hpm/thomas-laveist-phd and Dr. Alonzo Plough at https://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/staff-and-trustees/staff/p/alonzo-l-plough.html   OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 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 Transcription services are available upon request. Please, drop us a line using the form here.

In this episode, Diverse host Dr. Jamal Watson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans, a distinguished professor at Georgia State University's Institute for Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, who draws upon her extensive experience as a former department chair from 2010 to 2022.   Evans recently edited a book with Drs. Stephanie Shonekan and Stephanie G. Adams, "Dear Department Chair: Letters from Black Women Leaders to the Next Generation.” Evans sheds light on the book’s compelling themes in this interview. She speaks on the importance of documenting personal journeys and experiences, emphasizing the critical role of self-care in leadership positions, and challenging established paradigms of leadership. The dialogue also explores fresh perspectives on leadership within the academic sphere and underscores the transformative influence of mentorship on the journey to success, particularly for aspiring Black women leaders. Tune into this enlightening exchange, as Watson and Evans light the way for a future of empowered Black women leaders.   KEY POINTS: - Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans' Remarkable Path to Higher Education - The motivating force behind Dear Department Chair and its influential reach - How Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans navigated the multifaceted role of Department Chair - Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans’ transition from intellectual history to mental health - The power of mentorship and peer networks - The significance of mentorship and peer networks - How Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans and her co-editors advocate for the next generation of Black Women Leaders   QUOTABLES: "This book is an outgrowth of my experience as a department chair. We must keep a record of our personal experiences, but also give context to those experiences." - Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans "If you don't take care of yourself, there's no way that you can have any sort of clarity to be a leader. You have to respect the autonomy of others. If you're going to say no and you're going to set boundaries, you also have to accept that other people are going to say no. You have to have certain types of understandings of what it means to be a human being in this position." - Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans   GUEST RESOURCES: Dr. Stephanie Evans’ new book: https://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/dear-department-chair   OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 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 Transcription services are available upon request. Please drop us a line using the form found here.

Diverse host David Pluviose welcomes special guest Dr. Jessica DeHart, associate professor in the School for Community and Global Health at Claremont Graduate University in California. DeHart, a self-described “mama scientist,” founded the nonprofit Living Your Truth Empowered, whose mission is to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for cancer survivors. The organization helps to provide after-treatment when cancer survivors are in remission.   In this episode, DeHart discusses the formation of her organization and the driving forces compelling her focus on cancer survivorship work. She shares the story of her personal trajectory through higher education, motherhood, and why it is critical for women in STEAM/STEM, academia, and the C-suite to understand that, through hard work and prioritization, they can excel in both their careers and family life. Tune in as DeHart and Pluviose share this fascinating discussion.   KEY POINTS: DeHart’s journey into higher education  DeHart’s decision to help cancer survivors The importance of doing scientific research in diverse communities How DeHart transitions scholarship to advocacy work at CGU How #mamascientist works to encourage women to pursue STEAM/STEM careers   QUOTABLES: “Everything has been driven by passion, but not just that, [it’s] almost a serendipitous journey. I'm adopted because my mom had ovarian cancer when she was young. My parents couldn't have children. So right off the bat, cancer kind of started my journey.” – Dr. Jessica DeHart “The second reason I wanted to go to CGU is to teach and to show other women in science that you can do it. You can be a mom, and you can be a scientist at the same time.” – Dr. Jessica DeHart   GUEST RESOURCES: Jessica DeHart Supports Cancer Survivors and Mama Scientists: https://www.cgu.edu/news/2023/05/jessica-dehart-supports-cancer-survivors-and-mama-scientists/    OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 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   Transcription services are available upon request. Please drop us a line using the form found here.

Don’t miss this captivating discussion between two Black Los Angeles-area college presidents who shared their journey from South L.A. to the presidential suite in commemoration of Juneteenth.   Dr. Anthony Culpepper, president of Los Angeles Southwest College, joined Robert Brown, Esq., president of the University of West Los Angeles, for a special chat about their life paths and the impact education had on their success.   As two Black children who led parallel lives a generation apart, the presidents discussed pivotal moments in their young lives growing up in South Los Angeles that led to their decisions to seek more than what the streets offered.   They connect on their recognition of the fragility of life, their responsibilities as role models, and their humility through success. Their raw discussion acknowledges their paths are not special, and in fact, they are fortunate their decisions led them to success — decisions they hope to pass on to new generations.   QUOTABLES “The ghetto is not a territory, it’s a mindset. Juneteenth for me is a day to reflect on overcoming the mindset of being imprisoned, oppressed and impoverished.” - Robert Brown, Esq. “I’m hoping that we get to the point where we’re not dependent on a holiday to know that we’re free. Freedom is a frame of mind and if I’m free in my mind, you can never cage me.” - Dr. Anthony Culpepper   WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:  https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation   OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 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 Transcription services are available upon request. Please drop us a line using the form found here.       In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)