Diversity and Inclusion launches speaker series

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will launch its Diversity and Inclusion Grand Rounds speaker series with a presentation by highly acclaimed researcher and Augusta University Education Professor Juan Walker.

The event begins at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 in  University Hall room 170 on the Summerville Campus and Walker will share his research entitled “Religion and education have always coexisted: Examining how pre-service social studies teachers teach world religions.”

Walker is nationally recognized for his work in learning methodology and social justice integration in social studies, and he is the recipient of the Waynesburg University Teaching with Primary Sources grant. With this funding, he is able to host professional development seminars in the Augusta area and serve as a guest lecturer on topics such as the new Georgia Milestone testing system.

Interim Chief Diversity Officer Lindsey West says the uniqueness of this speaker series is that it touches an array of topics related to diversity and she hopes the discussions will open minds and encourage an inclusive climate.

“We have a great group of underrepresented researchers at our university, and we’re excited to have this opportunity to highlight their studies on various theories and implications related to often overlooked populations,” West said.

View a complete list of speakers for the 2017-18 Diversity and Inclusion Grand Rounds below, and each program will begin at 2:30 p.m. in University Hall, room 170. If you would like to be a presenter, contact West at liwest@augusta.edu or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

2017-18 Diversity and Inclusion Grand Rounds speakers:

Sept. 29: Dr. Jaun Walker, College of Education

Oct. 27: Dr. Todd Powell-Williams, Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Jan. 26: Dr. Brandy Wells, Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Feb. 23: Dr. Candace Best, College of Science and Mathematics

March 30: Dr. Betty Pace, Children’s Hospital of Georgia

April 27: Dr. Hailei Zhao, Confucius Institute