“Diversity is being invited to the party; but inclusion is being asked to dance. Belonging is dancing like no one is watching.” These words from activist Verna Myers serve as a guiding light for MBU’s efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. Our door is open: we’re here to listen, to respond, to collaborate, to work, but most importantly, we’re here to dance.

Mary Baldwin is a microcosm of the United States. Our efforts are constantly evolving, in conversation with the needs of all our students, faculty, and staff. We remain dedicated to supporting inclusive excellence in our community.

A History of Inclusivity

In 1996, Mary Baldwin launched the Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE). OIE works to develop programming that promotes cross-cultural sharing and exploration. and offers holistic support to students: monitoring their progress, representing their concerns, advising student organizations, and promoting positive community relations.

In the early 2000s, the President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusive Community adopted the Pledge of Inclusivity as a guiding principle for the MBU community. The pledge is recited by all MBU faculty, staff, and students at key ceremonial occasions to reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive community.

We, the community of Mary Baldwin University, strive to celebrate humanity in all its wondrous and complex variations. Because we value diversity, it is our mission to sustain a community where all may flourish. We are safe to embrace our shared experiences and our differences. To this end, we treat all with respect and compassion.

Chief Diversity Officer

Rev. Andrea Cornett-Scott was appointed the inaugural chief diversity officer in 2021. In this role, she leads the strategy for diversity and inclusion work at Mary Baldwin University, and operates an Anti-Bias Reporting and Support system with various levels of intervention, including but not limited to education and training. This system holds faculty, staff and students accountable for commission of racially discriminatory acts. Student ambassadors for racial and social justice also contribute to these efforts on campus.

Guided by the ongoing efforts of the coalition, by the Pledge of Inclusivity as a core principle, by MBU’s historical commitment to diversity and inclusion, and by the innovation and brave voices of our campus community, Mary Baldwin University continues to evolve and improve our efforts.

Commitment to Diversity, Belonging, and Title VI Compliance

At MBU we are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel a sense of belonging. In full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, MBU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any of our programs, activities, or services.

Our diversity and belonging initiatives are designed to support and uplift all members of our community, ensuring that every student has access to opportunities for academic success, personal growth, and leadership development. While some initiatives may offer targeted support to historically underrepresented groups, all students are welcome and encouraged to participate in our programs and events.

For more information on Title VI at MBU, including grievance reporting procedures, please visit our Title VI compliance page.