Diverse Methodist University students walking on campus

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Vision for Inclusive Excellence

King with two studentsThe Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Methodist University is dedicated to the ethical principles of truth, virtue, justice, and love; thus, the University strives to cultivate a climate of respect, dialogue, and collaboration around these aspects of identity. Our office strives to position Methodist University to fulfill its mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by developing and sustaining meaningful and collaborative relationships that result in a more diverse and inclusive community and centering the voices of our community to drive university-wide culturally sustaining initiatives and equitable opportunities.

Strategic Initiatives

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion has developed a University-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Action Plan. Phase 1 will work on creating a more inclusive and equitable campus community. Phase 2 will work on recruiting, retaining, and supporting a more diverse community. The goal of Phase 3 is to promote and support inclusive teaching, scholarship, and professional development.

Phase 1: Creating a more inclusive and equitable campus community (Build human, infrastructure, and resource capacity)

  1. Recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff
  2. Implicit bias training/Equity 2.0
  3. Systems are developed and maintained to address equity and inclusiveness for faculty and staff

Phase 2: Recruiting, retaining, and supporting a more diverse community (Commit to success for all learners)

  1. Recruitment efforts
  2. Programming and supports to retain diverse students
  3. Policies and practices that ensure equity
  4. Attention to student performance and outcome data

Phase 3: Promoting and supporting inclusive teaching, scholarship, and professional development (Engage in innovative discovery, invention, and application of knowledge)

  1. Faculty center offerings
  2. Partnering with Human Resources on professional development
  3. Tenure and reconstructing considerations
  4. Reviewing data on student performance by major/college and supporting colleges/departments

TEDx Presentations: “Diversity & Inclusion”

Methodist University will be hosting a TEDx event, themed “Diversity & Inclusion,” on Tuesday, April 9, from 7-9 p.m. in Huff Concert Hall. This event aims to bring together voices that can offer ethical and practical insights into fostering a more inclusive environment.

Anonymous Bias Incident Report

Message from the President

Dr. Stanley T. Wearden

I came to Methodist University because of our clear and inspiring mission statement and my realization that if we can fully live into that statement, we will be one of the greatest universities in the United States. Our mission statement says, “The University is committed to an ecumenical spirit, respects diversity, and recognizes the dignity and worth of all human beings.” It says, “a liberally educated person is sensitive to the needs and rights of others.” And, it establishes the missional pillars of truth, virtue, justice, and love. This mission is why we have an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We have the responsibility, powerfully articulated in that mission statement, of ensuring that MU is a fully inclusive environment – an environment in which all students, of all backgrounds, have the opportunity to participate and to thrive. That is my commitment as president and our commitment as a university.

Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D.


Tulsa Leadership & Entrepreneurship Academy (TLEA)

Methodist University has teamed up with the Tulsa Leadership and Entrepreneurship Academy (TLEA), an extraordinary results-based entrepreneurship program tailored for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). TLEA is dedicated to creating nurturing and empowering communities specifically for males of color, providing them with a sense of belonging, appreciation, and clear pathways to seize opportunities.

Through an immersive 10-week curriculum, participants will be immersed in a transformative learning experience, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and honing essential skills across diverse settings. The possibilities are endless as our aspiring entrepreneurs explore the realms of innovation, creativity, and business acumen.

The TLEA aims to be a foundational change agent of the inequalities facing BIPOC people in the U.S. and around the world. The success of the TLEA is assessed and based on the ability of the program to successfully uplift, educate, and inspire all members of the involved in the program.

Just click on the link below to apply now!

TLEA Application

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Staff