Old Main tower on North Central College campus

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

North Central College Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At North Central College, we value diversity in all its forms, and are committed to building a welcoming, inclusive community for all students, faculty and staff.

DEIB is central to the College’s mission, which states our commitment to be “a diverse community of learners dedicated to preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical, and purposeful citizens and leaders in local, national and global contexts.”

Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

When North Central College was founded in 1861, during the Civil War, it opened its doors to both men and women. At that time, it was not common for women to attend college, and it was less common for colleges to be co-educational. The College’s first president, Augustine A. Smith, was a supporter of abolition and women’s rights, and fought against racial discrimination. His vision of college as a “moral lighthouse, sending out a clear and steady light upon all subjects” still guides the institution today.

Looking ahead, diversity, equity, and inclusion—and belonging—will continue to be at the heart of a North Central College education. During the recent inauguration of Dr. Anita Thomas, the first woman and first person of color to serve as North Central’s president, the College hosted a President’s Roundtable on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. At the roundtable, Dr. Thomas stated:

As I think about the role diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will continue to play at North Central, the beginning part of that is what we did today. It is the importance of dialogue—conversation and communication. We won't go anywhere without our ability to listen, especially when we don't feel like we’re an expert, and especially when we feel like we've made a mistake. Listening, which I think is the first step in curiosity, should lead us to be engaged, and help us be ethical and purposeful citizens and leaders in local, national and global contexts.”

Non-Discrimination Notice (.pdf)

Karl Constant leads a prayer at North Central College's annual MLK Day.

MLK Vision Day program encourages change and action

Panelists from President Anita Thomas' roundtable at North Central College.

President Thomas holds roundtable on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

For more information, contact

Eric Armstrong
Assistant Dean of Students for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
630-637-5402
elarmstrong@noctrl.edu

Cortney Matuszak
Title IX Coordinator
cmatuszak@noctrl.edu

Karl Constant
Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs
630-637-5166
kconstant@noctrl.edu

Meyani Montano
Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs
mamontano@noctrl.edu

Brian Johnson
Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
630-637-5501
bkjohnson@noctrl.edu