Diversity, Equity & Inclusion News

In honor of her leadership and advocacy in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the healthcare field, Lesly Wilson James, Ph.D., associate professor of occupational therapy, has been named a recipient of the Ethel M. Bolden Award.

In a three-part lecture series sponsored by the Living Well Center for Vocation and Purpose, Vance Blackfox — Indigenous theologian and activist — reveals the history of Indigenous peoples in North America.

As part of this year's campus read, The Rev. Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. visited campus to discuss his book, “Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America,” with the campus and community.

On Monday, June 20, Lenoir-Rhyne University will be closed for a Day of Observance in recognition of Juneteenth.

Elizabeth City State University and Lenoir-Rhyne University have launched a new partnership offering ECSU students and alumni a tuition discount for pursuing Master of Arts in Teaching degree at Lenoir-Rhyne.

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Board of Trustees has renewed the contract of Dr. Fred Whitt, LR president, for a six-year term. The board unanimously approved the new contract at its meeting in November; the contract became effective Jan. 1 and will continue through Jan. 1, 2028.

Spurred by reaction to The New York Times’ 1619 Project, the academic approach of Critical Race Theory has recently come under fire. Much of the fervor has centered on a misunderstanding of this approach and has led to resistance to exploring the very real influence of race and racism in society at both individual and systemic levels.

Appointed in June, the inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer – Avery Staley – sets his intentions and goals for the role.

The council's charge is to look at all that we do through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. The group will help us implement education, training and revisions to policies and procedures in an effort to make Lenoir-Rhyne the most welcoming and engaging campus possible for all members of our community.

Phillips comes to LR from Davidson-Davie County Community College where he served as coordinator of engagement, persistence, retention and completion after spending four years at Winston-Salem State where he was assistant director for freshmen admission.

Staley is the university's first Vice President for diversity, equity and inclusion. He will provide strong leadership and be involved in planning and implementing DEI initiatives.