Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Throughout time and across every culture, history records parables, stories, and great legends built upon the enduring precept that success is grounded in unity. Enthusiasm for a mission rises with inclusion. Energy escalates as does equity. The durability of endeavors consistently proves to be a product of diversity.

Our devotion to student success includes preparing learners to wholeheartedly embrace and holistically journey the world they aspire to engage. Strength rises from solidarity. This is a lesson we teach in and out of the classroom. We model it in all we do at Motlow. • In 2019, All Access and Diversity funding went toward student scholarships. • Dr. Michael Torrence, Motlow President, served as Keynote Speaker and panelist in multiple GlobalMindEd conferences. • Motlow partnered with Northeast State for diversity training. We gathered to learn more from nationally recognized diversity leader

Dr. Kevin McDonald in his presentation: Moving Forward in Response to Calls to Action: Racial Equity and Leading with Integrity. • Dr. Torrence served as a speaker on two occasions for NIXLA programming, primarily addressing The Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on Marginalized Communities, and Community College’s Role in Addressing Student Success.

The Hamilton Brothers and nephew Isaac Eady, Tullahoma natives, performed a free concert on the Moore County campus, inside Powers Auditorium in celebration of African American History Month.

IDS 1021 students

Student Diversity Experiencial Learning

1. Impactful Leadership Conference “Diversity and

Inclusion” (Cookeville).

Dr. Michael Torrence, President, presented the keynote address. Dr. Phyllis Adams presented a workshop “Diversity and Inclusion: Impacting Students with the Tools for Success.” Students from IDS 1021 (Understanding Culture and Diversity), Honors Speech and Honors English represented Motlow at the conference.

2. Intersectionality Conference – ”Global Diversity and

Inclusion” – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Cambridge, MA.

Ten IDS 1021 students traveled to Cambridge, MA, to attend the Intersectionality Conference, presented by

Biogen. The conference included a panel discussion of issues related to Intersectionality. The panel consisted of researchers, experts, scholars and professionals.

African American Read-In

3. Capstone Project at Harvard. The IDS 1021 class presented a “Diversity Roundtable” at Harvard University, a culmination of their CAPSTONE Project with Mentor Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, from Harvard. 4. Diversity in Culture. The IDS 1021 class traveled to New York to experience culture, diversity and inclusion upclose and personal. The class attended several Broadway performances, with particular attention on the diversity and inclusion in The Christmas Carol and Slave Play. 5. African American Read-in. The IDS 1022 Culture,

Differences and Empowerment class hosted Motlow’s annual African American Read-in at the Smyrna Campus. Approximately 400 guests experienced a day of storytelling, poetry, spoken word, expository readings, oral interpretations, song, music, and mime, celebrating the African American experience.