Speaker stresses lifelong learning key to impacting diversity
"Diversity is continuous learning."
That's how Dr. Alexandria White, founder of Alexandria White Consulting and Student Affairs, summed up her talk to members of Meridian Community College's Eagles Leadership Convocation (E.L.C.). "You have to be a lifelong learner to be impactful and understand there are some gaps in your learning," she said.
E.L.C. is an academic year-long professional development and leadership program comprising 10 MCC faculty and staff members.
Dr. White is also a senior vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Reboot Accel and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mississippi.
In sharing her insights on the evolving nature of diversity in both personal and professional settings, she noted everyone has gaps in learning, and she encouraged self-awareness in how we view others.
In addition, E.L.C. members delved into the four major topics in the diversity arena: Growth and fixed mindset, emotional intelligence, multicultural humility, and AI in diversity.
The Class of 2025 cohort includes Darren Bane, director of workforce development; Jaterra Hurst, women's basketball assistant coach; William Davidson, associate dean for institutional research; Casey Holladay, director of social media; Phyllis Holladay, Eagles Scholars Program coordinator and mathematics instructor; Matthew Milner, lead media specialist/videographer; Jim Price, director of facilities management; Flora Sumrall, Business Office Management Technology Program and Accounting Technology Program coordinator and instructor; Crystal Webster, director of student accounts; and Marion Whiting, director of housing and student activities. MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner and Dr. Leia Hill, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the MCC Foundation, are facilitators for E.L.C. Jaycee Butler, executive assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement and MCC Foundation office coordinator, is the assistant for the program.
E.L.C. members connected with Dr. White's message. Casey Holladay noted one of the key takeaways from the talk was how AI can enhance the ability to support students. "It provided valuable resources to improve how we assist them," she said.
The next E.L.C. session is on Tuesday, Nov. 5, where Mandi Stanley will address communication strategies and customer service.
For more information about the Eagles Leadership Convocation, visit meridiancc.edu/elc.