Friends,
Recently, we鈥檝e witnessed troubling trends where diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are being curtailed or eliminated in some settings, including higher education. At the 麻豆影院, however, we stand resolute in our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment; and at the College of Music, specifically, we鈥檙e doubling down on our dedication to actively championing DEI as key to our universal musician mission.
DEI isn鈥檛 just about compliance or a checkbox to be ticked off. Essential to fulfilling our mission of developing versatile musicians who are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world, DEI is woven into the very fabric of our educational philosophy. Our faculty and staff work daily to create conditions where every individual鈥攔egardless of their background鈥攆eels welcome, valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential.
We know that embracing and uplifting diversity鈥攅ncompassing a spectrum of identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and disability鈥攅nriches our students鈥� educational experience and enhances the creativity, innovation and cultural richness of our college, campus and greater community. From last month鈥檚 first-ever statewide Jamaican Choral Music Symposium, organized by doctoral student O鈥橬eil Jones and supported by a Roser Visiting Artists Program grant; to our fifth annual Persevering Legacy event earlier this month, with support from the ; to our representing an autophysiopsychic approach to musicking; to hosting the Sphinx Performance Academy again this summer, supported by a DEI Impact Grant from the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion鈥攐ur commitment to diversity is gaining momentum and recognition.
I鈥檓 especially proud of the ongoing work of the College of Music鈥檚 DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) committee. Reflecting principles of shared equity leadership, this committee comprises faculty and staff colleagues who are passionate about putting into practice inclusive excellence recommendations in the areas of curriculum development, co-curricular programming, concert repertoire/programming, faculty hiring and student recruitment.听
Drawing inspiration from the diverse lived experiences and cultural assets that our students, staff and faculty bring to the learning environment, we鈥檙e creating opportunities for them to leverage their unique backgrounds as sources of strength and ingenuity. In this way, it鈥檚 my goal to not only advance inclusivity, but also ignite greater collaboration and collective action within our college鈥攁nd across other colleges, schools and programs on campus.听
The result? Over time, I鈥檓 convinced that by embracing DEI as integral to our universal musician mission, we not only achieve flexible, interdisciplinary career options for our graduates, but also expand the artistic landscape and cultivate a community of curious, continuous learners who challenge biases, question assumptions and engage with diverse perspectives鈥攁nd who navigate nuance and complexity with openness, understanding and empathy.
I鈥檓 so grateful for your support and engagement in this critical mission.
John S. Davis
Dean, College of Music
