Stockton University is one of 13 locations in the country recently chosen to host a Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Center.
The new selections by the Association of American Colleges and Universities will join a list of 10 other locations previously approved in 2017, including Rutgers-Newark, the only other New Jersey location. In all, AAC&U has plans to develop 150 such centers in the United States.
“AAC&U is thrilled to partner with these outstanding institutions to ensure that higher education is playing a leadership role in promoting racial and social justice,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella.
Stockton officials are looking at the center to serve as a catalyst for facilitating community collaborations and dialogues that can question, break down and dissolve unhealthy racial narratives.“Part of Stockton’s mission is to prepare our students to live and thrive in a multi-cultural society and become leaders in their communities,” said Stockton President Harvey Kesselman. “This initiative will pave the way for the next generation of strategic leaders and critical thinkers to advance equity and access.”
Carra Hood, associate provost at Stockton, says the center will bring a number of groups together, including faculty members, Stockton's Center for Community Engagement and Office of Service Learning, as well as community and religious leaders. One of the first goals will be to host community events on the school's Atlantic City campus as well as other locations to discuss various racial issues.
“We look forward to working with our faculty, students, and community leaders to build shared narratives that dismantle racial hierarchies of human value,” Hood said.
The AAC&U provides strategic support and direction, including a summer institute with financial help from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort, the Newman’s Own Foundation and the Papa John’s Foundation.
