Friends University is strengthening its commitment to an environment of diversity and inclusiveness by establishing a multicultural engagement program that will enrich the lives of students and Friends University personnel.
“The reason for the enhancement of this program is that we have a strong desire to see our community explore the important issues of engaging with our world,” said Dr. Guy Chmieleski, vice president of student affairs. “We want Friends University graduates to become role models for a more inclusive and God-honoring way of interacting with others.”
The university hired Crystal Aluko as director of multicultural engagement and student affairs in January to lead the initiative. She will be working closely with international students, student athletes and underrepresented student populations as well as with all students and the greater campus community.
Some of the outcomes Aluko and Dr. Chmieleski would like to see from the program include: enriching the culture and Friends University experience for all students; encouraging more engagement between students from different backgrounds and experiences, increasing retention and completion rates for minority students, strengthening the university’s support network for international students; and providing leadership and professional development training related to diversity and inclusion across campus.
Aluko earned a bachelor’s degree in family studies and human services from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Central Missouri. She has seven-plus years of working in higher education, including student life/services and academics. She has been involved with community programs through Young Professionals of Wichita, Advance Kansas, the Kansas Leadership Center and more.
Aluko was a first-generation college student who had to learn to navigate college and make meaningful connections to accomplish her educational goals.
“Student involvement was my key to networking with other students and building a support network,” Aluko said. “I try to stay connected to those experiences so I can continue to relate to the students I meet.”
She currently is in a listening/observing phase where she is getting to know the campus community and gaining a better idea of priorities.
“I am a champion of people. I love partnering with students, faculty, staff and friends to help them be successful at the endeavors they choose to pursue,” Aluko said. “I’m great at bringing people together, as it is easy to be siloed. I like crossing the line and unifying others to accomplish a common objective. We all have something to offer, so we really want to make multicultural engagement a collaborative effort here at Friends.”
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.