Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Wabash College

At Wabash College, our mission is to educate young men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely. We believe responsible action, effective leadership, and humane living promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for people of all backgrounds in schools, workplaces, and communities. We’ll be honest: this work is ongoing, but our commitments to social justice and ethical leadership drive us to practice an unwavering devotion to critical thinking, self-reflection, and revision. This is how we become and remain an inclusive community where all students, faculty, and staff find belonging.

Our ability to attract strong faculty, remarkable students, and dedicated donors is rooted in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus and in our community. Furthermore, today’s world needs leaders who understand diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of relevance and effectiveness. The businesses, schools, and community organizations that thrive in the 21st century value and elevate the contributions of people from all backgrounds.

“I believe that the only way for Wabash to meet its enrollment goals — and our nation’s need for an educated society — will be by increasing the number of college-bound young people from groups historically underserved by private higher education: low-income, first-generation, and students of color. Demography is not destiny. We can chart our own future by making Wabash accessible for the many young men who need us. And just as we have for the past 189 years, we will meet those young men where they are. We will maintain our historic commitment to being an engine of opportunity.”

—President Scott E. Feller

Where’s the Evidence?

Wabash’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging on campus has been recognized by $5.5 million in grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. to promote the retention, graduation, and success of young men from racial groups historically underrepresented in higher education, who are the first in their families to attend college, and are from lower income families. These grants are designed to restore hope and trust in the power of education to transform lives and communities, beginning with our own. They fund initiatives in faculty and staff development, community engagement, student recruitment and graduation, and cultural and artistic programming. The organizations, committees, and initiatives linked below offer additional evidence of our commitment.

Wabash Receives DEI Grant

A Half-Century of Commitment

The Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies was founded in 1970 as a social space and student organization focused on the success and belonging of Black students, as well as a center for campus-wide education on the cultural and artistic contributions of people of African descent. Today, the MXIBS remains a student center, classroom space, cultural resource, and a place that continuously calls our campus to live up to our commitments of equity and inclusion and to live out the social justice commitments of higher education.

Malcolm X Institute

Wilson ’24: Showcasing Artistry and Advocacy

“K’tren’s a big personality who always brings this super positive energy that rubs off on everyone around him,” Costume Designer and Shop Manager Andrea Bear said of the theater major.

Senior Forward for the Little Giant Basketball squad Ahmoni Jones '24

Wabash On My Mind: Ahmoni Jones '24

This episode features senior forward for the Little Giants Basketball squad, Ahmoni Jones '24 (Episode 359).

Thomas ’24: ‘Blazing the Trail’

As he’s just months away from wrapping up his tenure as Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies’ chairman, Jordan Thomas ’24 beamed with pride reflecting on how far he’s come over the last four years.

More News:

Curricular Programs (majors and minors)

Co-Curricular Programs that Help Us Hone the Skills of Inclusive Citizenship

Student Clubs and Groups Focused on Belonging and Community Education

African Students Association
La Alianza: Unidos Por Sangre (Latinx Student Group)
Asian Culture Club
Chinese Club
Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Student Senate
French Club
German Club
International Student Association
Malcolm X Institute
‘shOUT (LGBTQ+ Students and Allies)
Spanish Club

Campus Offices and Committees Focused on Inclusion and Belonging

International Center
Gender Issues Committee
Campus Culture and Climate Committee (CCCC)
Wabash Wellness Council
Retention Programming Committee

Institutional Memberships

We credit these professional organizations with the ideas and best practices that help us live up to our values of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Wabash community:

Contact the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Special Assistant to the President for DEI, Dr. Jill Lamberton, is a member of the President’s cabinet, and builds collaborations across the College—from faculty development to admissions to student life—to ensure that the work of diversity, equity and inclusion at Wabash does not happen in the silos of campus units, but is coordinated across the structures and daily life of the College.