Diversity & Belonging
MBU is made for belonging
Embrace a broad spectrum of cultures and identities on one of the most diverse campuses in the U.S. MBU fosters belonging, pride, and academic excellence through mentorship, community engagement, and resources to support every student’s success.
Where Diversity is Majority
Students of color represent more than 50% of Mary Baldwin’s on-campus undergraduate population.
Living Learning Communities
In addition to special cultural, leadership, and service programming, these communities offer on-campus housing so members can live, learn, and grow together.
Ida B. Wells Community
First-year residential
A unique academic and residential program designed to empower first-year women of African descent.
PERSIST Scholars
First-year residential
A cohort program focused on leadership development, civic engagement and academic success for African American male students.
Mary Baldwin College for Women
First-year residential
A one-of-a-kind program focused on preparing women to be leaders and build confidence and empathy.
Umoja House & African American Cultural Center
Upper-level residential
A program designed for highly motivated young women who want to celebrate and explore African American culture.
La Casa Rosario Castellanos Latine Cultural Center
Upper-level residential
A program designed for highly motivated young women who want to celebrate and explore Latine culture.
Pledge of Inclusivity
We, the community of Mary Baldwin University, strive to celebrate humanity in all its wondrous and complex variation. 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.
Mentoring & Support
Ubuntu & SquirrelFriends Mentoring
The Ubuntu mentoring program connects African American and Latine student leaders with first-year students-of-color for mentorship. SistaFriends facilitates meaningful connections between students and alumnae online and at campus events.
Power Up Network
A professional training program for young men of color. The goal: to position members for top-level positions in their chosen fields.
Join a Club, Find Your People
We offer a variety of clubs where you can get involved in cultural and service events – and make good friends in the process!
- Afrikan Student Kollective
- Anointed Voices of Praise
- Asian and Pacific Islander Association – coming in 2025
- Black Student Alliance
- BLISS: Black and Latine Students in STEM
- Caribbean Student Association
- Greater Things Dance Ministry
- Kuumba Players: African American Theater Troup
- Latines Unides
- League of Elegance
- Libations: African American Literary Magazine
- Minority Clubs United
- NAACP – coming soon
- Student Ambassadors for Racial and Social Justice
LGBTQIA+ Community
Mary Baldwin is committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ identifying students. Here are just a few of our clubs and resources:
Safe Zone: A program that easily identifies LGBTQIA+ friendly faculty, staff, and students using Safe Zone stickers
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA): A student-run campus club
Pride Week: A week of special events and activities to affirm and celebrate MBU LGBTQIA+ students
Faith & Spirituality
We offer numerous opportunities for you to explore the spiritual dimension of life. Here are some of the options available:
Anointed Voices of Praise (AVP): Student-directed music ministry focusing on gospel music
Baldwin Christian Ministries (BCM): Interdenominational Christian ministry connecting through prayer, Bible study, and service
Greater Things Dance Ministry: Student-led liturgical dance ministry embracing African American dance
Quest Program: Offers a path of guided study for students of all religions (or no religion) to explore, celebrate, and learn from their differences.
Learn More
Mary Baldwin has several offices committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus. Visit the web pages below for more information!
