President's Statement
Juniata's first class in 1876 had just 3 students, 2 of whom were female. In a time when most educational institutions were out of reach for women and people of color Juniata held steadfast in its commitment to pluralism and has, since, not looked back. Juniata is unapologetically dedicated to maintaining the sense of peace, cooperation and service set forth by our Church of the Brethren founders. We are wholeheartedly devoted to increasing and maintaining multicultural understanding. Here, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is more than a branch of student services - it is an extension of the President's office and reports directly to me.
In 2005, we opened the Unity House, located at 1905 Moore St, a space dedicated to promoting and preserving multiculturalism on this campus. It will provide meeting space for multicultural organizations as well as an interfaith prayer/meditation room. Recently, our trustees have pledged $50,000 of their own money to help recruit a more diverse faculty and more than 120 employees of the college voluntarily participated in a diversity training seminar earlier this year. I mention these few achievements not to say we can sit back and pat ourselves on the back for our efforts. On the contrary, we strive to surpass the innovation that has preceded us and build on the momentum that has come.