Based upon archival information, it appears that the journey of pursuing ethnic and racial diversity as a defining theme at Seattle Pacific University (SPU) dates back to 1991 with the implementation of intentional undergraduate enrollment policies. This focused strategy outlined a ten-year plan for purposefully increasing the numbers of ethnic minorities within the SPU campus community. The percentage of increase took seriously the amount of support and educational services that could be adequately provided for these new students over the academic year. This initial plan for increasing the percentage of ethnic minorities was then followed up by a new enrollment plan for the 21st century.
This enrollment plan was proposed by the Enrollment Planning Committee and helped to shape and guide the growth and direction of student recruitment. This plan included both undergraduate and graduate students, students of colors, transfer students and gender diversity. In addition, this strategy also served to unify the mission statement, selection process, campus culture and ethos, and economics as foundational to the university’s identity. In 2000 Mr. Gary Ames and President Philip Eaton met to address the campus community and the opportunities that would result from the future envisioned for SPU. This initial meeting resulted in a friendship between the two men and also launched the Ames scholarship for ethnic minority students.
In 2001 SPU launched an initiative under the leadership of President Phil Eaton that prioritized racial and ethnic diversity that included a comprehensive enrollment strategy. The University Diversity Initiative would become the vehicle for addressing not only the number of students that would aid in making SPU more diverse, but would also recognize the need to hire staff and faculty of diverse backgrounds. During this same time, there was also an ongoing commitment in the Campus Ministry and Student Life departments to recruit and hire diverse personnel. The then Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministries, Rev. Tim Dearborn, hired Tali Hairston, an African American, as the Assistant Director of Campus Ministries. Additionally, Dr. Jeff Jordan, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Students, hired another African American, Joe Snell, as the Assistant Director of Student Programs. Furthermore, based on a recommendation by the Dean’s Strategy & Operations Team, the first delegation of SPU students were able to attend the National Christian Multicultural Student Leadership Conference (NCMSLC). They went in an effort to learn how to engage the Associated Students of Seattle Pacific (ASSP) regarding the changes and vision they hoped to see related to racial diversity that would infiltrate all areas of campus life at SPU. In the same year, a group of students went to Jackson, Mississippi on a mission trip as a part of Seattle Pacific Reachout International (SPRINT) program where they met Dr. John M. Perkins.
As the vision and mission for racial diversity at SPU continued to grow and take shape, the role that SPU played in the greater Seattle community and nation increased as an institution supporting reconciliation. SPU hosted the National Christian Multicultural Student Leadership Conference (NCMSLC) on campus. The SPU student government (ASSP) also launched a new student leadership position, the Intercultural Director as the point person for undergraduate students regarding intercultural affairs. Seattle Pacific University also hired Rev. Alexander Gee as a consultant and professional coach for campus departments, Dr. Eaton, and other SPU leaders regarding this initiative.
In 2003, Tali Hairston was appointed as the Special Assistant to the President for community relations, in addition to his ongoing responsibilities in University Ministries. Dr. Eaton also recruited Dr. Stephen Newby, a professional musician with years of experience in cross-cultural ministry, to lead University Ministries and the Center for Worship. In addition to these strategic campus initiatives, President Eaton also went to Jackson, Mississippi, in response to the urging of the SPRINT students, to meet the renowned Dr. John Perkins. This was a significant turning point that led to an abiding relationship between President Eaton and Dr. Perkins. Later that year, Dr. Eaton launched the “Blueprint for Excellence” at SPU for the year 2014.
Accompanying the Admissions department’s work to increase the enrollment of diverse undergraduate students, in 2001 Intercultural Programs in the Office of Student Life, launched the Early Connections orientation to help students from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds, who were first generation college students, to make a successful transition to the university. In addition, the Office of Residence Life launched the “Bridges Floor” in Emerson Hall that became one of the most diverse living quarters on campus. Furthermore, Dr. Stephen Newby also launched the SPU Gospel Choir during this time period.
In 2004 Dr. John Perkins was the keynote speaker for the Day of Common Learning, an annual campus-wide event when classes are cancelled so that the community can gather for a keynote speaker and an afternoon of breakout sessions. In that same year, the partnership with Dr. Perkins also led to the establishment of The John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership Training and Community Development, based at Seattle Pacific University, and Mr. Tali Hariston was appointed as the Director.
Additionally, in 2004 SPU hosted the National Christian Multicultural Student Leadership Conference (NCMSLC). Dr. Delia Nüesch-Olver, Associate Professor of Global and Urban Ministries at SPU—as well as the Director of Social, Urban and Ethnic Ministries for the Free Methodist Church, the university’s affiliate denomination—was featured as a keynote speaker, the Gospel Choir led worship and many other faculty and staff were conference speakers and/or workshop leaders.
In that same year, the Admissions Office hired Mr. Donte Quinine to develop strategic recruiting relationships with ethnically diverse churches, schools, and communities.
Additionally, Ineliz Soto, then Senior Admissions Counselor for Multicultural Outreach, launched the first Urban Preview experience, an overnight event for Junior High and Senior High School students from underrepresented groups in higher education. This opportunity gives high school students the chance to engage with the current campus- community, visit classes and get a sense of what SPU is like. Furthermore, in 2005, Donte Quinine designed and facilitated a retreat on racial and ethnic diversity for the Admissions Office. In that same year, a publication entitled “CultureWatch” wrote article on Dr. Stephen Newby’s Montage for Martin, a performance in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 2005, SPU also sent a group of faculty and staff to Chicago, IL to attend the Ignite Reconciliation Conference. This annual collaboration was facilitated by Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, a Reconciliation Specialist, for groups from Christian colleges and universities to receive training and share best practices regarding successful reconciliation initiatives in higher education. Consequently, later that year, Dr. Salter McNeil was invited by Vice President, Marj Johnson, to lead a reconciliation training seminar for the staff at SPU. In 2006, Dr. Les Steele, Academic Vice President at SPU, began the academic year with a lecture called, ‘The Wall, The Cross, and a New Humanity.” This strategic address called SPU to tear down the walls of racial and ethnic divisions and to build new ones through the work of the cross to foster a new humanity. Furthermore, reconciliation efforts continued in 2007 with Dr. Salter McNeil returning to conduct additional diversity training on campus.
In 2007 the work of Dr. Stephen Newby as a musician and composer helped to increase the visibility of SPU’s commitment to diversity and reconciliation beyond the university community. In partnership with students, Dr. Newby hosted a “Reconciled Symphony” on campus and also held performances at Rolling Hills Community Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church and the National Association of Music Education--Northwest Division Conference. SPU’s Etc Magazine published an article on the Gospel Choir and the Response Magazine wrote a feature article on the “Reconciled Symphony.” In addition, Dr. Newby and SPU hosted a Church Leadership Forum and Gospel Symphony. The conference focused on Worship and Reconciliation of all people. Furthermore, “Step Up in Faith” was a performance for the SPU community that presented groups like Mike Silva International, The Katina and Dr. Newby in worship and prayer. The student newspaper, The Falcon, highlighted these accomplishments and wrote articles about the work being done by Dr. Newby. In 2008, a final program was presented by Dr. Newby, who focused his attention on honoring the “mother of the Civil Rights movement,” Mrs. Rosa Parks, through music.
The John Perkins Center (JPC) was also working on leadership development and diversity training at this time. The Response magazine wrote about the work that was being done by the JPC. By 2008, racial diversity became more engrained in the identity of SPU and the university experienced an increase in the number of ethnic minority students enrolled on campus. Although there had previously been a staff committed to supporting ethnic minority students, in order to support the increasing number of students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, in 2008 the Multi-Ethnic Programs (MEP) office was developed as a separate office in the Student Life department. Susan Okamoto Lane was hired as the MEP Director, focused primarily on creating programs for minority students, providing a safe place of emotional and academic support and cultural affirmation, and advising and providing leadership development for intercultural clubs.
In 2008, Residence Life developed “Born Identity,” an exhibit that focuses on raising awareness regarding the history and impact of White privilege. This exhibit is a visual and interactive experience that seeks to highlight the nature of white privilege in our society, how it came to be, and what we can do in response. Many faculty bring their classes through the exhibit or include visiting and reflecting on the Born Identity exhibit on their course syllabi.
In addition to other significant discussions, activities, and diversity related initiatives, there were also three musical performances at SPU in 2009: 1) The Gospel Fest '09 – A Celebration of African American Heritage (and in Honor of the legacy of Abraham Lincoln); 2) A Memorial Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and 3) The Kingdom & The Gospel, presented at The Triple Door, a professional music establishment in downtown Seattle. Dr. Newby and his students used these opportunities in 2009 to raise awareness about the topic of diversity using their music. In addition, a production entitled “The Kingdom and The Gospel” was performed in 2009 by the Worship Arts Ensemble in 2010 and was sold on a CD and purchased on iTunes.
As of 2010, in an effort to contribute to a comprehensive academic focus, Dr. Kerry Dearborn, with the university’s approval, created the Reconciliation Studies Minor. In 2011, Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil was hired as an Associate Professor of Theology and the Director of Reconciliation Studies to oversee this minor at SPU. Rooted in God’s mission to reconcile the world, this interdisciplinary minor prepares students to work effectively as agents of reconciliation in a diverse and global society. In that same year Ms. Ineliz Soto and Mr. Jason Chivers were promoted to the positions of Assistant Directors in the Admissions Office.
In 2012 Dr. John Perkins continued the practice of returning to SPU for the annual Perkins Lectureship Series. In addition, Dr. Stephen Newby arranged for the university to have other special guest speakers on campus such as Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the slain Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. In addition, the Intercultural Director for ASSP was changed to become a Vice President position. The student body elected the first ever Vice President of Intercultural Affairs in 2012 for the 2012-2013 school year. Lastly, Dr. Philip Eaton retired and Dr. Daniel Martin was hired as SPU’s new president in 2012.