The Office of Institutional Diversity recognizes the important work of all individuals and groups of students, staff, faculty, and alumni in creating and sustaining a diverse learning and working environment. The President’s Committee on Diversity, the staff, student, and faculty subcommittees on diversity, and many student groups provide a formal structure for enhancing diversity at Wells.

As reflected in its mission statement, community standards statement, and program goals, Wells believes that diversity is fundamental to creating a campus and world where all people can fully participate. The diversity initiative at Wells believes in the value of collaboration and inclusiveness. By valuing diverse experiences and perspectives, ones that are often different from our own, an opportunity arises for deeper understanding of ourselves, and others, and in the creativity needed to effectively address the challenges of our times.

Conflict is a natural part of diversity and in the world of human relationships. Understanding conflict and conflict transformation are fundamental, not only to integrating diversity on campus, but in attending to issues in our broader local, national, and global communities.
 

Director of Institutional Diversity Stephan Hiroshi Gilchrist, Ed.D.  317 Macmillan Hall (315) 364-3463 (315) 364-3335 fax sgilchrist@wells.edu

Guiding Philosophy of the Director of the Office of Institutional Diversity,
Stephan Hiroshi Gilchrist, Ed.D.

I envision Wells as a leader in diversity issues locally, nationally, and globally. Part of this vision entails creating an environment that fosters awareness and life long learning of the skills and knowledge necessary for all to live effectively and ethically in a pluralistic democracy, and as part of a global society. This includes: having an understanding of our personal biases and preferences; understanding cultures and groups different than our own; developing the skills of dialogue, intercultural communication, and conflict resolution; and developing systems that work for all people. The Wells diversity initiative is a local manifestation of a global process to create a world in which all people can engage fully, and live meaningful and nonviolent lives.

I am motivated by the opportunity to bring people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives together to help create a vibrant campus that values transformative learning, and sustaining constructive human relationships. As I go about my work, I believe that it is important that my actions reflect the values I associate with diversity. This includes: listening to others; asking questions to better understand perspectives that are different than my own; treating others respectfully; understanding my own preferences, biases, and assumptions about the way things should be and the way people should behave; and being inclusive, collaborative, and transparent.

Conflict is a natural part of living in a diverse world, and can be a learning opportunity for all people involved. The ability to reflect on our often unconscious values, to engage in deep dialogue with others, to negotiate differences, and to find common ground are important skills in constructively transforming conflict, expanding our own understanding of ourselves and others, and creating a world that works for all.
 

Diversity and Intercultural Program Assistant , Pershemia Reynolds

A native of Queens New York, Pershemia Reynolds is the Diversity and Intercultural Program Assistant at Wells. Dedicated to helping ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging, Pershemia embodies the college’s beliefs of Interculturalism, Inclusion, and Diversity. As an assistant, she partakes in the college’s mission of making every student feel connected and comfortable in their settings. A Wells College student herself, she is the public relations representative for P.O.W.E.R. (Praising Our Work Ethnicity and Race) a multicultural student club focused on celebrating different cultures and ethnicities, and a member of the college’s Student Diversity Committee (SDC). Pershemia is also an English major with a concentration in Creative Writing, and the vice president of her class.

Contact Pershemia at preynolds@wells.edu.