As the new academic year begins for colleges and universities across the state and nation, Methodist University starts its semester being recognized as the No. 1 Most Diverse University in North Carolina in 2022.
As the new academic year begins for colleges and universities across the state and nation, Methodist University starts its semester being recognized as the No. 1 Most Diverse University in North Carolina in 2022. MU is one spot ahead of Duke University and surpasses all of the nearly 150 other big public and smaller, private institutions in the state. Methodist University also is at an impressive No. 56 overall for diversity in the nationwide rankings, and MU and Duke are the only schools in the state with an A+ rating.
The top ranking for diversity in the state – as distributed by Niche University Rankings and Reviews, a market leader in connecting colleges with students in the U.S. – is backed by key statistics and student reviews from the U.S. Department of Education. Methodist University earned high marks in every factor considered by the ranking, including:
- Student Racial Diversity Index
- Percentage of International Students
- Percentage of Out-of-State Students
- Student Economic Diversity Index
- Faculty Diversity Index
- Student Surveys on Diversity
- Faculty Gender Ratio
- Student Gender Ratio
“Methodist University is proud of its diverse student body, which is a reflection of the growing diversity of our state and our society,” said President Stanley T. Wearden. “Diversity on our campus creates a stronger educational experience for all; it prepares all students for the widely diverse workforce they will enter upon graduation; and it engenders the development of creative new ideas and approaches. Diversity brings varied cultural perspectives and points of view that enrich the university experience for everyone.”
The University prides itself on not just saying diversity is a high priority, but making sure it is integrated into the fabric of everyday life on campus. Key in this integration – and remaining dedicated to the University’s ethical principles of truth, virtue, justice, and love – is MU’s Multicultural Affairs team and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office. Leading the DEI efforts is Dr. Quincy Malloy, who is the full-time Chief Diversity Officer and a member of the University’s Presidential Cabinet.
“It is with great gratitude that the early work Methodist University has engaged and invested in with making our institution not only more diverse, but providing an inclusive experience, is being highlighted,” Malloy said. “I would like to thank Niche for acknowledging our efforts and we will continue to strive for diversity and inclusive excellence at MU.”
The University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office has developed and instituted a strategic action plan with three key phases: 1.) creating a more inclusive and equitable campus community, 2.) recruiting, retaining, and supporting a more diverse community, and 3.) promoting and supporting inclusive teaching, scholarship, and professional development.
“I’m thankful for the experiences I’ve had at Methodist University that have helped me learn about new people and cultures,” said MU Student Body President Josie Samuelian. “Being at such a diverse school like Methodist gives students the opportunity to see things from different perspectives that they wouldn’t otherwise get to see. Diversity is the key to creating a tolerant and accepting community that strives to make everyone feel welcome.”
To read about the entire vision and strategic initiatives of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office, we welcome you to explore our website.