What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Look Like at Austin College?

The identity of Austin College centers on a transformative learning experience for ALL students. This community is made up of diverse students, faculty and staff who are aware and respectful of our differences, and who intentionally pursue a culture of inclusive excellence.

As such, we at Austin College commit to the cultivation of minds, the pursuit of social justice, and respect for common humanity.

President’s Committee on Inclusion and Diversity at Work

Knowing that people vary, we want every member of our community to feel valued in a way that nurtures, rather than erases, differences. To put those words into action, the President’s Committee on Inclusion and Diversity works to develop recommendations for meaningful change. Under the leadership of Carllos Lassiter, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer/Vice President for Student Affairs the committee includes students, faculty, staff.

Carllos Lassiter

VP of Student Affairs
Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer

The identity of Austin College centers on a transformative learning experience for students that is augmented by a culture of inclusive excellence shaped by diverse scholars, learners, and staff.

Dr. Felix Harcourt

Assistant Professor of History

An equitable education is the foundation for an equitable future. An inclusive and accessible education embraces our differences, empowers and supports unique individuals in ways that opens the door for honest, productive, and innovative learning.

Dr. John Williams '84

Chaplain
Director of Church Relations

Austin College recognizes that each and every member of our community is gifted, distinct, unique, sufficient, and complete. We strive to cherish and celebrate the diversity of RooNation by honoring the full humanity of each student, faculty member, staff member, and alumni.

On-Campus Assistance

Policies and Reporting

Campus Demographics

Student Organizations

Students can participate in a variety of student-led clubs and organizations that celebrate what makes us each unique, including a wide array of cultural, religious, and interest-based groups which all students, regardless of identity, are welcome to join.

Visit the student organization page to learn more!

Cultural Organizations include AC KangaRAAS, Asian Student Association, Black Expressions, Catholic Student Association, Indian Cultural Association, Jewish Student Association, La Familia, Los Amigos, Muslim Student Association, and the Student International Organization.

Social Action groups include ACCares (AIDS/HIV awareness), Amnesty International, Environmentally Concerned Organization of Students, CHAMPS (Cultivating Helpful, Aware, Mindful People of Service) and Gender-Sexuality Alliance.

Nationally chartered organizations include Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity, Habitat for Humanity, and Rotaract.

Compass Curriculum and DE&I

A key facet of the Compass Curriculum is that students deeply explore ideas from multiple perspectives. Through a powerful, time-tested liberal arts curriculum, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the 21st Century. Students will complete at least two curricular requirements in diversity; these courses explore the range of human experience, engage new perspectives, and prepare students to participate in a diverse and global society.

Explore this sample of courses:

Human Rights and Social Justice

American Education

Literature and Gender

Medical History: Cases of Hysteria

Sex, Self, and Society

Immigration and the U.S.

The Quest for Civil Rights

International Social Movements

Politics of International Development

Cultural Psychology

Politics of Religion: Tibet & China

Studying Religion

College Selected as Regional CIC Partner

Austin College is one of seven colleges and universities selected by the Council of Independent Colleges in Washington, D.C., to serve as Regional Collaboration Partners for the multiyear project “Legacies of American Slavery: Reckoning with the Past.” President Steven P. O’Days said, “We prepare our students to become leaders in an increasingly diverse world. Participation in the Legacies of American Slavery Project will continue to propel Austin College forward as we strive to be a place where all people feel equally valued and free to participate in the life of the college.” Read More

Artist Exhibit Continues Through December

Scot Nicol is a South Texas teacher, artist, and activist. His exhibit “Ladders and Walls” was displayed at Austin College in late 2021. Since 2007, he has been educating the public and the media about the border wall. He is a founding member of the group, No Border Wall, a coalition of environmentalists, ranchers, and immigration advocates. In 2018, he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, and he has published articles and op-eds in major magazines and newspapers. Read More

Musician and Disability Rights Advocate to Visit

Folk singer, musician, and disability rights advocate Gaelynn Lea performed for in Wynne Chapel on November 11, 2021. In addition to performing and recording, Lea frequently does speaking engagements about disability rights, finding inner freedom, and accessibility in the arts. She uses her music as a platform to advocate for disabled people and to promote positive social change. In recent years, she has shared her perspective on NPR, various other radio programs, and two widely viewed TEDx Talks. Read More

2022 MLK Jr. Celebration

Each year the Texoma community comes together for a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Austin College is proud to host this event and to help raise scholarship funds to benefit college-bound residents of Grayson County through the NAACP Grayson Branch. [Watch here]

Austin College TEDx 2021 Talks Feature the Power of Merging Ideas

Austin College produces an annual TEDx conference welcoming speakers from the College community: alumni, students, faculty, and staff. The 2021 titled “Confluence” includes talks about learning diversity, cultural diversity, and other relevant “ideas worth sharing”. [Listen Here]

Bring your questions, ideas, and hopes about inclusion, diversity, and equity to inclusiondiversity@austincollege.edu.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion