Photo: NCCU Chancellor Dr. Karrie G. Dixon (Left) and WI Associate Director Chitra Golestani, immediately after signing the Memorandum of Understanding.
On October 9, 2024, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and the Wilmette Institute formalized a historic partnership aimed at advancing social transformation through education. The signing ceremony at NCCU marked the official beginning of a five-year collaboration, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
In a show of profound respect and enthusiasm, the new Chancellor, Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, chose to personally sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and delivered a talk. She captivated the audience of key administrators and faculty with her inspiring remarks, igniting excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. This partnership promises to not only elevate the academic landscape but also to make a significant impact on community engagement.
NCCU, a public historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, is recognized as the nation’s first public liberal arts institution for African American students. This partnership reflects a commitment to fostering educational initiatives that promote social change and community engagement.
Dr. Harvey McMurray, a longstanding Bahá’í and professor with 37 years of experience in NCCU’s Department of Criminal Justice, played a crucial role in the development of this collaboration. His application of principles such as collaboration, universal participation, and consultation was instrumental in shaping the partnership’s framework.
The signing ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Ontario Wooden, Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Dr. Wooden set the tone for the event by reflecting on the significance of the occasion followed by a brief talk by Dr. Harvey McMurray, who provided context for the partnership, sharing the sequence of events that led to the first NCCU student’s engagement with the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program before the pandemic as well as the growing collaboration with the Wilmette Institute on multiple educational initiatives.
The ceremony continued with an inspiring and informative address from the Chancellor, who expressed optimism about the potential of this partnership to drive social change through education. To conclude the program, Dr. Derik Smith, Acting Director, and Dr. Chitra Golestani, Associate Director of the Wilmette Institute, expressed deep appreciation for the partnership, commending the genuine collaborative spirit of the NCCU community across various disciplines. They emphasized the transformative power of education as a catalyst for social progress, underscoring the shared vision of both institutions to drive meaningful change through learning and engagement.
This partnership represents a dynamic process, creating new opportunities for students and faculty alike to advance meaningful change both within and beyond the university. Chancellor Dixon, in her remarks, said “This is such a unique partnership, that represents a significant step towards our shared commitment to enhancing student success, and it is a testament to our commitment to service and community development.”
See also:
- Article on WI collaboration with Dr. Stephanie Howard, Chair of the Theater and Dance Department, on a production of The Bus Stop.
