18 colleges and universities represented across Tennesse, Kentucky, Indiana
Dozens of higher education leaders convened for the Unity and Belonging Symposium hosted on Belmont’s campus, Oct. 14-15.
Vanderbilt University, University of Kentucky and Indiana State University were among the 18 universities represented at the symposium. Over the course of two days, attendees shared best practices for effectively championing unity and discussed creative solutions to combat common difficulties.
“Often times this work can seem so dark,” said Dr. D’Angelo Taylor Belmont’s inaugural vice president for Hope, Unity and Belonging. “It can seem as if you are on an island. But today, we have come together at Belmont, and my heart is full. Not everybody has support like this.”
Dr. Alfred Degraffenreid II, president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee, delivered a keynote address encouraging attendees to sustain hope on the first night of the symposium.
“The work that you all do is vitally important,” he said. “I know every day you may not go home with a smile on your face feeling happy, particularly working in administration. It's not always easy, but it is worth it and it’s beneficial.”
Symposium Sessions
Day two of the symposium featured a back-to-back schedule with panels, presentations and professional forums.
Belmont’s Vice President for Student Formation and Dean of Students Dr. Tamika Williams, Assistant Provost for Student Success and Flourishing Carshonda Martin and Taylor reported on key initiatives for strengthening persistence and belonging.
Three distinguished higher education leaders shared insights on fostering unity during the symposium’s opening panel:
- Dr. Khalilah Doss, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, Middle Tennessee State University
- Dr. Cesar Berrios, assistant dean of students and the athletic diversity and inclusion designee, University of Southern Indiana
- Angie Bryant, associate dean of students for student wellbeing, Belmont University
Topics discussed included the importance of building meaningful relationships in higher education, modeling inclusive leadership, intentional student engagement and innovative ways to persist despite societal and legislative challenges.
“Education is not just what happens in the classroom,” Bryant said. “We are the introduction to the real-world for students. It’s about caring enough to say the uncomfortable things, because we're developing the leaders of tomorrow.”
Hope Amidst Challenge
The symposium served as a safe and supportive space to network and share best practices for effectively championing unity and belonging at participating respective institutions.
Many universities at the symposium, along with institutions across the nation, face major obstacles due to new state legislation. Throughout the symposium panelists, moderators and attendees candidly examined the challenges while sharing their motivations and successes.
Dr. Xavia Burton, an executive director at Indiana State University, delivered a passionate closing keynote, emphasizing the importance of hope in overcoming personal and collective impasses.
“It's hard to be the only one unselfish enough to always think about the other,” she said. “But hope allows us to know that, when we see chaos happening afar, we can't assume that it won't happen right here. This is your one and only life. We get to make a difference for other people by doing this work.”
Learn more about Belmont University's Unity and Belonging initiatives.