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Intercultural Affairs

Life at MVNU

Life at MVNU

Diversity and Unity

At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, we are committed to fostering an environment where students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds can come together, grounded in Christ and dedicated to academic excellence. Our community is made up of individuals eager to learn from one another. The Office of Intercultural Affairs takes seriously its responsibility to provide equitable educational, leadership, and professional opportunities to all we are called to serve. Through our curriculum, programs, and services, we aim to promote understanding and supportive interactions among diverse groups, respecting each individual's values and ideals while maintaining Christ as our core.

Our Theme Verse:
I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. Colossians 2:2

Diversity Leadership Scholarship Program

The Dwelling

Located in the lower level of Central Complex, The Dwelling is a safe space to celebrate the cultural diversity of MVNU students and to foster intercultural learning and dialogue. Throughout the year, events are held here to celebrate and educate on various cultures that make up our connected world.

Programs

The Office of Intercultural Life serves AIM students (American students of color, International students, and Missionary kids) through a variety of programs and events, including:

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

TBA

Additionally, the Office of Intercultural Life supports and celebrates a variety of student organizations and campus events, including:
  • Alliance for Black Student Leadership
  • African Diaspora History Month
  • Festival Latino Workshop
  • International Fashion Show
  • Martin Luther King Celebration Breakfast
  • Soul Festival
  • Women's History Month
  • The Dwelling Multicultural Resource Room

Diversity Committee

The Mount Vernon Nazarene University Diversity Committee, a standing committee in partnership with Academic Affairs and the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Learning, is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and belonging as core components of MVNU’s institutional priorities.
Chairs, Elections, and Terms
The Assistant Vice President of Intercultural Affairs chairs the seven-person committee for Intercultural Engagement and Learning. It comprises three elected faculty members—each from a different academic school—the Director of Campus Life, the Director of Enrollment, and the SGA Vice President of Intercultural Life. Faculty members are elected by the Faculty Assembly and serve two-year terms.
Members of the committee are as follow:
  • Rev. Tavaris Taylor, Assistant Vice President
  • Dr. Luiz Oliveira, Associate Professor of Chemistry
  • Margaret Allotey-Pappoe, Professor of Graphic Design and Department Chair
  • Dr. Karla Adu, Associate Professor of Nursing
  • Sarah Alexandar, Director of Admissions
  • Jacob Shockey, Director of Campus Life
  • Caitlin Rowe, SGA Vice President Diversity and Inclusion - Assistant Vice President

Contact us

Tavaris Taylor

Tavaris Taylor

Assistant Vice President, Intercultural Affairs

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