Diversity at Judson

Our Pledge to Diversity

Judson University is a conservative, evangelical Christian university that represents the Church at work in higher education, equipping students to be fully developed, responsible persons who glorify God by the quality of their personal relationships, their work, and their citizenship within the community, the nation and the world. Diversity is an ethos embraced by the University to foster inclusion, service and quality of life amongst our global and local communities. Strategic actions toward achieving diversity goals facilitate meaningful and sustainable impact throughout the Judson community, enriching the University as a whole.

At Judson, we see diversity as an inter-related mix of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, physical ability, age, geography and intellect. This mixture brings a richness of perspectives, talents and ideas together.

OUR GOALS ARE TO

• Maintain and increase the institution’s diversity population based on the existing urban context
• Cultivate an environment where people of all backgrounds can thrive academically, socially, spiritually, and professionally
• Implement plans to support diversity activities throughout all areas of the University, including recruitment, hiring, retention efforts, curriculum transformation, and partnerships.

STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING THESE GOALS INCLUDE:

• Continued recruitment and retention of diverse underrepresented populations of faculty, staff and students
• Measurable initiatives that facilitate recruitment, retention and graduation of diverse underrepresented populations,
• Scholarship and grant opportunities for diverse underrepresented populations
• Support for multicultural student organizations and leadership opportunities
• Links to external support groups/organizations/societies.

Diversity and Intercultural Engagement at 

Judson University

At Judson University, we cherish the diversity that enriches our campus, bringing together individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and nations. As a Christian institution, we want to cultivate a community where everyone feels accepted and loved for who they are as created by God. This rich diversity brings unique opportunities and challenges that we must address thoughtfully and proactively.

At Judson University we like to use the word diversity and intercultural engagement. In recent years, the terms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have been widely used, especially in the wake of events following the death/murder George Floyd in 2020. However, as DEI gained prominence, it also became entangled in social, cultural and political controversies, diverging from its core values. At Judson, our commitment to diversity is rooted in a biblical worldview, not in any social or political ideology. Therefore, we have adopted the framework of “Diversity and Intercultural Engagement” to better align with our values and mission, focusing on building authentic relationships within our diverse community of students, staff, and faculty.

Why Diversity and Intercultural Engagement

The foundation of the Christian life is to love God and love our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-39). This principle guides us to worship God and honor each person as made in His image. “Diversity and Intercultural Engagement” reflect the holistic experience we want every student to have at Judson. It promotes a community rich in ethnic, cultural, and traditional diversity, rooted in biblical values such as honoring relationships, justice, reconciliation, and unity.

Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), affirming that cultural and ethnic diversity is integral to the family of God. Our fellowship in Christ transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, celebrating and valuing this diversity. “Diversity and Intercultural Engagment” describes a community where there are deep understanding and respect for all cultures, grounded in our Christian ethics.

Diversity and Intercultural Gatherings at Judson University

We host several gatherings and initiatives to celebrate and engage with our diverse community:

• International Fest
• Black Student Union (BSU)
• Latin Student Union (LSU)
• International Students
• First Generation

Judson’s Ethnic Annual Expo: From Every Nation/Ethnicity for His Glory

This event honors and validates the various ethnicities represented at Judson. Participants share unique aspects of their ethnic cultures, such as music, food, dance, customs, traditions, inventions, literature, and historical events. The goal is to enlighten, inform, and celebrate our diverse community, highlighting the image of God in all nations.

The Intercultural Life and Cross-Cultural Engagement 

The Department of Intercultural Life at Asbury College has created five key initiatives that also reflect our commitment and perspective at Judson University.  Those key initiatives are the following.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Programs to broaden students’ awareness and help them understand how they fit into God’s plan of redemption across different cultures, equipping them to serve Christ globally.
• Ethnic Gatherings: Creating opportunities for students to experience other cultures through instruction and immersion, preparing them to engage with diverse communities and advance Christ’s mission worldwide.
• Cultural Sharing: Encouraging students to share their cultural heritage, enriching the learning environment.
• Four Core Components: Focus on awareness, understanding, respect, and appreciation of cultural diversity as crucial in our global society.
• Biblical Foundation: Emphasizing that ethnic diversity was part of God’s original design and remains essential in knowing and worshiping God and serving His purposes today.

Intercultural Life

At Judson University, our commitment to diversity and intercultural engagement reflects our Christian values, striving to create an inclusive, respectful, and enriching community for all.

Learn more by reading Judson’s Affirmation Statements on Diversity.