University Leaders Explain the Importance of Understanding Social Issues and Creating an Inclusive Community on Campus

Dr. MaryAnn Baenninger, president of Drew University, shares her experience with race and inclusion as a higher education leader in the sixth installment of the President to President series
Mar 9, 2017 6:10 PM ET
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GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 9, 2017 /3BL Media/- In the latest chapter of the President to President series, published today, Mary Ann Baenninger, Ph.D., president of Drew University in Madison, N.J., describes her role as a leader in higher education as she navigates the various social issues present on campus and in contemporary U.S. culture.  

“The Inclusive Campus: Leading from Within” chronicles Baenninger’s experience as a college president leading a school with a mission of inclusiveness. Despite the University’s progressive nature, Baenninger suggests room for improvement and works to involve students and the campus community to foster a socially and culturally diverse campus environment.

Drawing entirely from personal experience, Baenninger describes the hindrance of white privilege and retells her awakening from observer to participant in the battle against social injustice.

The article is part of the 2016-2017 President to President series, published by Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services. The series is written by university presidents for university presidents and focuses on how institutions are developing innovative campus strategies that ensure positive business outcomes while enhancing the student experience.

Each month, a new chapter of President to President is authored by a notable leader in higher education whose institution is at in the forefront of pioneering viewpoints and practices. Sodexo provides publishing support but exerts no editorial influence over the series. Chapters are distributed and promoted electronically and posted on president2president.com. At the end of the ten-part series, all content will be published into a thought-provoking collection and made available online.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.