David M. Fryson: The power of relationships

Diversity and inclusion in higher education is about understanding cultural dynamics and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of our collective culture. Diversity efforts involve more than race, gender and sexual orientation and must include our ability to embrace the educational needs of each student.

I had the opportunity to experience homecomings this fall at West Virginia University and West Virginia State University, my two alma maters. Both homecomings were celebrations of past and present realities and reflected our racial history. The obvious legacy of African-American connections at State and the lack of historical inclusion at WVU were striking. As West Virginia continues to move toward a more diverse society it is useful to examine our shared past.