ATHENS, W.Va. (Hinton News) – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has approved two separate grants for Concord University totaling $10,000. The Diversity for Equity Grant will receive $5,000, and the other half will support mental health initiatives on campus.
Nancy Ellison, Director of Multicultural Affairs at CU, says this funding will be used to support a week-long celebration of Diversity and to create a mini-course entitled “Special Topics in Research: Diversity Leadership.”
This new addition to the curriculum will explain the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leaders in contemporary organizations; explore data and research methods used to examine issues related to DEI; and review literature on diversity leadership.
“For the past two decades, Concord has emphasized programing around diversity, an appreciation of cultural differences, and the need for the inclusion of underrepresented groups in all aspects of campus and community life,” says Ellison. “We’re grateful that due to receiving this grant of $5,000 from the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, we will be able to move forward to expand our offerings.”
Marie Newcomb-Lewis, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work at CU and director of the Counseling Center, spearheaded the HEPC grant for mental health. She says this funding will be used to develop an outdoor meditation space for the campus community, as well as support student programs like a sober Halloween party and a Low Tech Connect day.
