• EP151: Catching up with Toni Morrison scholar and DEI expert, Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley
    Mar 27 2025

    In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley, a distinguished scholar, author, and academic leader. As founder of the African American Studies program at George Mason University and former Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity at Case Western Reserve University, Mobley has spent decades shaping conversations on race, gender, and social justice — now serving as a diversity consultant.

    Mobley shares her journey as a literary scholar and how she helped establish the Toni Morrison Society, dedicated to preserving Morrison’s legacy. Her conversation with Diverse host Ralph Newell dives deep into Morrison’s impact on literature and culture, exploring her masterful use of language, space, and identity.

    Mobley also discusses her book Toni Morrison and the Geo-Poetics of Place, Race, and Belonging, examining how Morrison’s work navigates identity, history, and the power of storytelling.

    Explore the transformative power of language and the necessity of creating spaces for belonging and justice in this inspiring conversation. Tune in.

    KEY POINTS:

    - Mobley's academic journey as a professor of English and African American Studies

    - Founding of the Toni Morrison Society in 1993, with 26 professors recognizing Morrison's literary significance before her Nobel Prize

    - Morrison's unique approach to writing, focusing on imagination, joy, and resilience beyond oppression

    - The Geo-poetics concept: how writers use space and language to create meaning

    - Insights from Morrison's Nobel Lecture, its power of language in connection or division

    - Strategies for social justice (inspired by Civil Rights Movement tactics): finding spaces to strategize, building new coalitions

    - Challenges of current DEI work and the importance of imagination in responding to systemic oppression

    - Final thought: Who would play Mobley in a movie?

    QUOTES:

    “The only grace you have is the grace you can imagine.” – Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley

    “Language is all we have, and the misuse of language will continue to shape our lives.” – Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley



    “People can use language to assault one another [or] to undermine one another. And when you have a genuine encounter, let your biases drop away, and listen to the other—you can engage in an actual dialogue.” – Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley

    RESOURCES:

    The Toni Morrison Society

    Toni Morrison and the Geopoetics of Place, Race, and Be/longing

    Diverse Top Women Honoree, 2013



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    WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

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    Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

    In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

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    45 mins
  • EP150: Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms, with Dr. Marlee Bunch
    Feb 27 2025
    In this episode we feature author and creator of the un/HUSH Framework, Dr. Marlee Bunch, to discuss the development of her framework for dealing with the challenges of implementing diverse narratives in today’s educational settings. Bunch shares how her experiences as an educator in diverse, low-income schools led her to pursue a doctorate focused on the oral histories of Black female educators in Mississippi during the civil rights era. She also explains how their stories informed the un/HUSH Framework, which emphasizes the following principles: uniting, naming, history, unlearning, stories, and healing as means of addressing systemic racism and inequities in education. In conversation with Diverse host David Pluviose, Bunch also delves into the challenges of implementing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives in the current political climate, stressing the importance of community engagement, voting, and continuing to uplift underrepresented narratives, as well as her culturally responsive teaching standards and her upcoming books. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the development of her groundbreaking framework, centering historically marginalized voices and perspectives in secondary and post-secondary education. This is the final episode in our two-part Black History Month Series. In case you missed it, check out part one: From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey with Dr. George A. Pruitt | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education KEY POINTS: - Bunch’s education, and career journey in teaching - Bunch’s experience teaching primarily in diverse, low-income schools - The history of Black and brown educators - The importance of Mississippi historically and its indicator of broader issues in the U.S. - Development of the un/HUSH Framework and its five principles - Challenges of implementing DEI in schools, discussions on systemic racism and oppression - The significance of community immersion in culturally responsive teaching, extending beyond the classrooms - Bunch’s upcoming publications, Unlearning the Hush: Oral Histories of Black Female Educators in Mississippi in the Civil Rights Era and Leveraging AI for Human-Centered Learning: Culturally Responsive and Social-Emotional Classroom Practice in Grades 6-12 - Words of encouragement for educators experiencing racial battle fatigue - The critical need to document and share the historical stories of Black educators for future generations QUOTES: “My goal in listening to those oral histories was to discover how we can use the lessons of the past and these incredible educators to guide how we navigate 21st century classrooms.” – Dr. Marlee Bunch “If we can do this work together and find a way to support one another, we will get through it. We've done it all throughout history, and here we are.” – Dr. Marlee Bunch “If there's so much work being done to suppress and silence our history, I'm going to keep illuminating it, and hope that in doing so and in sharing this incredible history and our stories that it inspires other people to carry forward that work that was done before us.” – Dr. Marlee Bunch RESOURCES: Dr. Marlee Bunch, author and creator of un/HUSH Framework The Magnitude of Us: An Educator’s Guide to Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms | Teachers Press FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).
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    33 mins
  • EP149: From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey with Dr. George A. Pruitt
    Feb 13 2025
    In this episode, we welcome Dr. George A. Pruitt, Thomas Edison State University president emeritus, for a thought-provoking discussion highlighting the past, present, and future of the civil rights movement, the importance of celebrating diverse histories, and the ongoing struggle for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education and beyond. Pruitt also offers a glimpse into his new book: From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey through the Emergence of Adult Education and the Birth of Distance Learning. Throughout the conversation with Diverse host Ralph Newell, Pruitt shares his personal experiences as a young activist in the 1960s and 70s, recounting his encounters with iconic figures like Malcolm X and Fred Hampton. He also reflects on the legacy of John Lewis and the critical role of service-oriented leadership in driving meaningful change. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of Pruitt's distinguished career in higher education, including his groundbreaking work at Thomas Edison State University, where he pioneered innovative approaches to adult and distance learning. Tune in and learn more about exploring the current landscape of higher education leadership and the importance of mentoring the next generation. This is part one of our 2025 Black History Month series. Tune in February 27 as we host Dr. Marlee S. Bunch. Her research focuses on the oral histories of Black female educators in Mississippi who taught between 1954-1970. KEY POINTS: - Pruitt’s take on Black History Month and other heritage-related national holidays - The legacy of John Lewis and the importance of his service - Fred Hampton and his impact on civil rights - Pruitt’s career background and inspiration to pursue higher ed - Experiences working at Illinois State University, influential mentors, and the decision to pursue the presidency in higher ed - Introduction to new book: From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey through the Emergence of Adult Education and the Birth of Distance Learning - Psychological challenges associated with activism and the importance of self-reliance, courage, and owning one's life and decisions. - The impact of mentors and the need for a service-oriented approach to higher ed leadership. - The importance of engagement, resilience, and the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). - Pruitt’s advice: Keep up the fight, stay engaged and don’t give up. QUOTES: "I never aspired to the presidency out of any sense of personal ambition. That was not why I was interested. I had gotten invested in higher education — I wanted to reform it. I wanted to change it." - Dr. George A. Pruitt “I see a contemporary world where we are distracted by personal ambition, personal advancement, personal achievement, [and] personal success. Those are all wonderful things, but those things are important when they're in the context of service to others and our community.” - Dr. George A. Pruitt "It's nice to have a national holiday that pays attention to the unique contributions of various parts of our country, history, and democracy, but, we have the opportunity to decide for ourselves what and when we're going to celebrate our history and our contribution to American life and history.” – Dr. George A. Pruitt RESOURCES: From Protest to President - Rutgers University Press FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).
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    56 mins
  • EP148: Embracing Diversity, Fostering Belonging: How Affordable Access Transforms Lives at the University of Mount Saint Vincent
    Jan 30 2025

    Meet Dr. Susan R. Burns, president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, New York City. A first-generation college graduate herself, Burns is leading the university into the future of what higher ed should look like — an authentic, high-quality education for students of all backgrounds. Under Burns' leadership since 2021, the Mount is a Hispanic-and-minority-serving institution.

    Don’t miss the conversation as Burns and host Diverse host David Pluviose explore innovative strategies and the holistic approach that the University of Mount Saint Vincent uses to meet the needs of today’s diverse student population. Amid the challenges facing higher education, Burns highlights the critical role of support and proactive counseling in ensuring student success and graduation. To help students graduate debt-free with an associate degree, the Mount provides essential resources, including free breakfast and lunch, laptops, books, dedicated faculty, a social worker, and career certificate options.

    Tune in to learn how The Mount addresses students’ financial barriers through diversity initiatives and efforts to promote social mobility.

    KEY POINTS:

    - Burns’ journey as a first-generation graduate

    - Challenges in choosing an affordable college institution

    - University of Mount Saint Vincent’s efforts to increase accessible and affordable higher ed

    - Foster care: About the Mott Street Scholarship program for students

    - The importance of services beyond financial aid, like childcare and food assistance

    - Effectiveness of intrusive counseling and proactive support for students

    - The Mount’s mission and values in fostering a supportive community

    - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts at The Mount

    - Burn’s advice to colleagues facing DEI concerns, and ways to promote them

    - Key focus: Vision on strategic plan, growth, access, and student success

    - Expansion of online programs, partnerships, and initiatives like the Center for Leadership

    QUOTES:



    "We really work very hard to make finances not a barrier for our students. And then we work with students when they get here to make sure that they're taking advantage of work-study." - Dr. Susan R. Burns

    "If you don't want to be known, then we're not the place for you. We really get to know our students, and it is the way that we can proactively make sure that those students keep their eye on the ball — realize that they're here for a reason — and that reason is ultimately degree completion." - Dr. Susan R. Burns

    RESOURCES:

    University of Mount Saint Vincent

    Come to Believe Network

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    WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

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    Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

    In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

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    49 mins
  • EP147: Bridging the Gap for Latino Student Success, with Sarita E. Brown and Deborah A. Santiago
    Dec 19 2024

    In this episode, we sit down for an insightful conversation with Sarita E. Brown (president) and Deborah A. Santiago (CEO) of Excelencia in Education. Together, they discuss the organization’s mission and its transformative journey over the past two decades.

    As co-founders, Brown and Santiago reflect on their decision to create Excelencia with a vision to amplify the Latinx voice in higher education policy. Over the years, the organization has evolved from a focus on providing data and research to forging impactful partnerships with institutions to drive meaningful change. Both emphasize the critical role of trust, intentionality, and shared vision in their leadership model.

    Tune in, hear inspiring success stories, and learn more about the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network and recognition for exemplary practitioner-led programs. This episode also explores opportunities for partnerships with civic and community organizations beyond the higher education sector and navigating equity work post-2024 election.

    Moderated by Diverse host Ralph Newell, join us as we celebrate two milestones—Excelencia in Education’s 20th anniversary and Diverse’s 40th year—gaining valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to advance equity and success for Latino students.

    KEY POINTS:

    - Meet the co-founders of Excelencia in Education, learn how they started

    - The strategic plan — data & research, evidence-based practices, and leadership

    - Mission to drive positive attention to effective programs and practices

    - Overcoming infrastructure challenges

    - The future of higher education and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs)

    - Adapting to policy changes and new administration

    - Financial aid impact on Latino students

    - Ensuring the Seal of Excelencia remains a valuable tool for institutions



    RESOURCES:

    Our Story | Excelencia in Education

    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education

    Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation

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    X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues



    WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

    https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation

    Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.


    In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • EP146: Equity, access, and student success post-2024 election, with Dr. Angel B. Pérez, NACAC CEO
    Dec 5 2024

    In this episode we welcome Dr. Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

    Listen in as Pérez and Diverse host Ralph Newell delve into the potential implications of the 2024 election on federal education policies, focusing on the challenges faced by underrepresented students. Pérez emphasizes the critical need for equitable access to higher education, and the importance of supporting mental health for students and professionals.

    Pérez also explores NACAC's response to the recent Supreme Court rulings affecting college admission policies. Highlighting the organization’s efforts to sustain diversity and equity through strategic partnerships with community organizations.

    Don’t miss this timely discussion on a whole host of issues surrounding admissions, leadership and DEI advocacy in higher education in today’s political landscape.

    KEY POINTS:

    - Impact of the 2024 US Presidential election, especially for underrepresented students

    - NACAC's vision for supporting mental health issues on college campuses

    - Key steps to address concerns on the Department of Education’s potential elimination

    - Growth plan: NACAC’s creation of the Center for Reimagining College Access

    - The need for support from corporations, foundations, and a "Coalition of the Willing"

    - Perez's journey and how it shaped his approach to equity in higher education

    - AI in the admissions process

    - NACAC's efforts to help colleges maintain diversity and equity

    - DEI progress in higher education and its challenges

    -Remembering Frank Burtnett, former NACAC executive director and Diverse contributor

    QUOTES:

    “We are not only moving forward, we are determined to build what we’re going to need. This is my call to action – we're going to need a coalition of willing organizations.” — Dr. Angel B. Pérez

    “It's going to be really important that corporations and those that have resources get involved, because we need to think about these issues, not just through a college access perspective, but through a workforce development perspective.” — Dr. Angel B. Pérez



    RESOURCES:

    Dr. Angel B. Pérez

    NACAC - Meet-the-team

    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

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    X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues



    WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

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    Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

    In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

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    46 mins
  • EP145: REPLAY: A Roundtable on Justice for Marcus Garvey
    Nov 28 2024

    In this episode, we share a replay of the October 8th roundtable discussion "Justice for Marcus Garvey."

    Presented by Broadleaf Books, in partnership with the African American Literary Book Club, The Harlem Writers Guild, and Diverse, this discussion is a tribute to and a rallying cry for one of the preeminent champions of Black pride and self-determination. Join Marcus Garvey’s son, Dr. Julius Garvey along with: Alyssa Miller (moderator), Diane Richards, W. Paul Coates, Dr. Goulda Downer, Safiya Parker-Norman, Rev. Yvonne Hawkins, and Dr. Ayo Sekai.

    Discover how the “Black Is Beautiful” movement has been influenced by Garveyism and learn more about the new book Justice for Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind, which features a foreword by acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates.

    Tune in as panelists keep the flame of Marcus Garvey's legacy alive and inspire the next generation of social justice activists.

    KEY POINTS:

    - How Garvey's philosophy of Pan-Africanism, emphasizing the dignity and unity of the African diaspora, inspired later civil rights and independence movements.

    - How the Negro World newspaper and the Black Star Line shipping company demonstrated Garvey’s vision for economic self-determination and independence for Black communities.

    - The legal case against Garvey, which resulted in his conviction for mail fraud in 1923, was seen as a politically motivated attempt to undermine his influential movement.

    - Ongoing efforts preserve Garvey’s legacy and the need to correct historical injustices.

    - The pivotal role of scholarship, publishing, and archiving Garvey's works.

    QUOTABLES:

    “Marcus Garvey articulated a particular philosophy that was African based in terms of the autonomy and the sovereignty of African people in terms of their history, traditions, and culture. The world at that time, certainly, the country at that time was basically quite racist… Capitalism is a racist economical system. It's built on the backs of African people." – Dr. Julius Garvey

    "We will not lose courage. We will not lose faith. We will go forward and take advantage of every opportunity and where there's none, we will make it for ourselves." - The Honorable Marcus Garvey; as quoted by Paul Coates

    GUEST RESOURCES:

    Justice for Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind with a foreword by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Julius Garvey (Editor), Ta-Nehisi Coates (Foreword)

    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

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    X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues



    WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

    https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation

    Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

    In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

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    56 mins
  • EP144: Project upGRADS, Leading the Charge for Disadvantaged Students in Graduate Education at CSU Fullerton – A 2024 Example of Excelencia
    Nov 14 2024
    Created in 2005 by Excelencia in Education, Examples of Excelencia is a national initiative that identifies and promotes evidence-based practices improving Latinx student success in higher education. This year, Project upGRADS at California State University (CSU) Fullerton was chosen as the Example of Excelencia at the graduate level. In this episode, we welcome CSU Fullerton’s Dr. Volker Janssen, Professor of History & Director of Project upGRADS, and Dr. Katherine Powers, Principal Investigator. Funded by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Project upGRADS offers a range of services including fellowships, mentoring, a summer bridge program, and proactive advising to help students succeed. The program also emphasizes the importance of faculty training to create a culturally responsive environment for Latinx students. Data shows that Project upGRADS participants have higher graduation rates and GPAs compared to their peers. Tune in as Janssen and Powers, along with Diverse host Ralph Newell, discuss barriers Latinx students encounter, such as financial challenges and cultural perceptions about graduate education. With their current grant nearing its end, they also share information on funding plans and a new grant, Elevar, which will focus on expanding equity in curriculum and further developing faculty training. This is the final feature in our series of four institutions being recognized in 2024 by Excelencia in Education. In case you missed it, check out the prior episode featuring this year’s Example of Excelencia at the undergraduate level: How CAMP at Washington State improves outcomes for students from migrant seasonal farm working communities — A 2024 Example of Excelencia | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. KEY POINTS: - Project upGRADS’ national data-driven efforts for Latinx student success. - How Powers promotes equity for Hispanic graduate students through providing grants. - Supporting students through fellowship programs, mentoring, and summer bridge program. - Challenges faced by Latinx students in pursuing graduate degrees. - Summer bridge program and how it promotes inclusivity and belongingness. - The importance of connecting students with student services and faculty. - Future of Project upGRADS and new grant opportunities. - The faculty role in influencing institutional change. - How Powers and Janssen balance their teaching and grant work. - Financial support as identified need to help Latinx students. QUOTABLES: “We survey graduate students often about their needs and about their opinions on particular parts of the program or the university — and one thing that they would all like to have more of is financial support.” - Dr. Volker Janssen “Summer Bridge Program is the hidden curriculum of graduate school, because it's a common misconception that graduate school is just an extension of college, just more of the same. And that's just not the case.” - Dr. Volker Janssen “We can query the system. We can sort by a number of characteristics of the applicant, including race, ethnicity, and then we do intensive proactive [advising] by reaching out to them." - Dr. Katherine Powers GUEST RESOURCES: CSUF - Project upGRADS Project upGRADS — a 2024 Example of Excelencia FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).
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    39 mins
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