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.

Belonging & Inclusion Blueprint

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is pleased to introduce the Belonging & Inclusion Blueprint Canvas Curriculum. Designed to meet the diverse needs of our Methodist University community, this curriculum offers a comprehensive selection of free, online professional development modules.

Tailored for students, faculty, staff, and community members alike, these modules provide valuable insights into topics such as belonging, inclusion, biases, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. Our primary aim is to foster enhanced relationships, services, and resources within the Methodist University Community.

This innovative workshop aims to provide a safe and constructive space where both students, faculty, and staff can explore, examine, and ultimately challenge their implicit biases. By doing so, we can foster an environment that promotes empathy, encourages critical thinking, and empowers everyone to create meaningful change.

Goals for This Workshop

  1. Raise Awareness: This course will raise awareness of the prevalence and influence of implicit biases in our daily lives. Through interactive discussions, engaging activities, and real-life examples, participants will recognize the unconscious biases that shape their perceptions and behaviors.
  2. Identify Opportunities for Change: Participants will examine how implicit biases can impact interactions within the college community, potentially leading to disparities in academic, social, and professional settings. By understanding these implications, we can work towards a more inclusive campus environment.
  3. Promote Empathy and Understanding: By exploring various lived experiences and perspectives, students and faculty will develop a deeper sense of empathy, promoting better communication and understanding among diverse individuals.
  4. Develop an Inclusive Campus Culture: By embracing a collective commitment to reducing implicit biases, we will strive to create a more welcoming and equitable campus culture where everyone can thrive and succeed.

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