Eastern University is comprised of a variety of unique students and staff from all across North America and the corners of the world, and on Feb. 19 it was awarded $20,000 for its resounding diversity and multicultural atmosphere. This Diversity and Multicultural grant was awarded to Eastern University by the National Christian Multicultural Student Leaders Conference (NCMSLC). According to Eastern.edu, the “NCMSLC develops and promotes multicultural student leaders providing them with training on how to lead effectively in diverse settings. Support and funds are shared with organizations that share the mission and vision of NCMSLC.” Eastern University has been recognised as one of these schools.
The NCMSLC is lead by Dr. Venessa Brown, the Associate Chancellor for the Office of Institutional Diversity at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and according to Eastern.edu she is “a professor in the social work department. She is nationally and internationally recognized for her commitment to public child welfare and her expertise in cases of child sexual abuse.”
The NCMSLC’s president, Dr. Brown, announced this grant stating, “It is my hope that these servant dollars will assist in furthering your efforts and commitment to a diverse campus climate and allows the diversity and inclusion conversation to continue at Eastern University.” When Dr. Brown awarded Eastern University’s Vice Provost for Student Development Dr. Jacqueline Irving with this grant for $20,000, Dr. Brown stated, “Under your leadership, Eastern has been a leader in Christian higher education of what it means to be inclusive of all God’s people.” According to Eastern.edu “Dr. Brown and Jacqueline Irving have worked together in multicultural student leadership development for over 20 years.”
Sources: Eastern.edu
Grace Nealy 
Jason Karch 
Lenora Kirkland