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Shepherd champions diversity in new role BY MADELINE MARTIN Staff Writer
Ouachita President Dr. Ben Sells expressed the need for greater advancement in diversity and inclusion for minorities on campus in June. This followed months of national protests calling for an end to systemic racism. As part of this mission, Sells brought Dr. Lewis Shepherd onto Ouachita’s executive leadership team as the Special Assistant to the President, a full-time position dedicated solely to advancing diversity and inclusion. Shepherd grew up in southwest Arkansas as the youngest of four siblings. From a young age, his parents instilled in him the importance of getting a good education. Shepherd was encouraged to do well in school and to go to college. Shepherd has been part of the Ouachita community since he started his undergraduate degree at the age of 17. While in school, Shepherd served as a campus resident assistant and worked as a funeral home assistant. Shepherd graduated with a bachelor’s degree in religion. Following graduation, Shepherd was offered an assistant position to Dean B. Aldon Dixon. While serving in this role, Shepherd earned his master’s degree in education from Ouachita. He also worked with the TRiO program, pastored at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and served as assistant to former university president Andy Westmoreland. In 2009, Shepherd went across the ravine to Henderson and served for 11 years in various leadership capacities. But recently, an opportunity arose for him to return to Ouachita in a new role. And for Shepherd, the decision to return was easy. “Dr. Sells gave me the tremen-
dous opportunity to come back home, and I took it quickly,” Shepherd said. “Let me just tell you, there’s no place like home. There is no place like Ouachita.” The creation of Shepherd’s position was a product of Ouachita’s pursuit of racial equality and inclusion on campus. The idea came about as a result of several meetings between Shepherd and Sells over the past few years, where Shepherd also expressed his desire to return to Ouachita in some way. The catalyst for his instatement, however, was the culmination of the pandemic and the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old former security guard from Minneapolis. Floyd was killed on May 25 at the hands of police during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill at a convenience store. His unjust death sparked protests and conversations over racial injustice and inequality in the nation, all while a global pandemic surged. “It’s an amazing thing that someone most people would never have known has had an impact all over the world, and simultaneously there’s a virus that no one has ever heard of,” Shepherd said. The purpose of Shepherd’s position is to ensure racial and cultural diversity as well as inclusion for students of color. Having racial equality levels the playing field, allowing everyone to have some oportunity to succeed. Shepherd will work with students and faculty members of various ethnicities to make certain that they are comfortable and supported at Ouachita. He will also ensure that rates of persistence toward graduation, GPAs and enrollment of minority students are in good standing. Shepherd also works with alumni of color to form connections with current students so that they have ties to the professional world
Quantel Williams, Lewis Shepherd and Monica Rutledge smile during MORE’s back to school event. Shepherd has played a vital role in overseeing MORE and working to foster discussions about diversity on campus. (photo by Abby Blankenship)
after graduation. There has been overwhelming support from alumni who want to get involved with current minority students through mentorship or donations for scholarships. The Multicultural Organization Reaching Equality (MORE) is also under Shepherd’s scope. MORE provides a safe space for minority students, brings students of different cultures together and encourages inclusivity and diversity. One of the ways they accomplish this is by hosting events on campus. With Shepherd’s guidance, MORE hopes to explore ways to be more visible on campus and get more students involved with their events. By lending support, students can become allies for minorities on campus and help move toward change. Visibility and presence are key. “Just someone’s presence makes all the difference in the world because it speaks volumes,” Shepherd said.
For Dayja James, sophomore biology major and president of MORE, this organization has been vital to her Ouachita experience. She found a home away from home in MORE. James praises Shepherd for his ability to be a peacemaker as well as an advocate. He is also a warm and welcoming person, which is important for his position. “That’s what I love about Dr. Shepherd,” James said. “ He has such a warm presence. He just brings something refreshing to the table.” Shepherd’s position is relevant, and a college campus is a good place to cultivate diversity among cultures. One way students can do this is to engage with people of other races and cultures that are different from their own. When discussing what it takes to achieve diversity, Shepherd refers to what he calls the “Three A’s”: acknowledgement, acceptance and appreciation.
When it comes to acceptance, Shepherd believes it is important to accept people for who they are and to appreciate others’ perspectives. This fosters learning and acceptance. Having understanding and being willing to grow helps to create real change. “Everyone does have something to offer,” Shepherd said. “And that’s what makes America strong.” Learning to acknowledge, accept and appreciate other cultures goes to the core of Ouachita’s mission statement. As followers of Christ, it is important to realize that all people are God’s children, despite varying racial backgrounds. Everyone is made in the image of Christ and therfore has value. “No matter how different we may look, it shows the love of Christ when we accept people for who they are and want to include them in the family of God,” Shepherd said. “It’s the right thing to do as a Christian university.”
