Diversity Workshop Series-Kathryn Ecklund, PhD.,Kirsten Oh, PhD.,and Kay Higuera Smith, PhD.

Posted by: Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence

What Does Cultural Competence Look Like in a Christian Univeristy?

Kathryn Ecklund, Ph.D. Chair and Professor, Department of Psychology

Kirsten Oh, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Practical Theology

Kay Higuera Smith, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Biblical and Religious Studies
Program Director, Religious Studies

This presentation will explore insights derived from scripture and Old and New Testament history, drawing from a collaborative forthcoming publication, Cultural Psychology and Christian Diversity: Developing Cultural Competence for a Diverse Christian Community. Kay Higuera Smith will discuss Christianity’s cultural values concerning intercultural relationships, specifically attending to the nuances of the Biblical narrative regarding the nature, scope, and function of relationships with diverse others.  Kirsten Oh will then share her scholarship regarding the current status of ethno-racial segregation and integration in American Christian churches, the context from which many APU students, staff, and faculty emerge. Finally, Kathryn Ecklund will present her scholarship regarding the role of faculty and staff as mentors to students in facilitating the development of faith integrated cultural competence that can influence the campus climate as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence.  The audience will have the opportunity to engage in small group discussions about the dynamics of diversity that faculty and students bring with them to APU through this foundation of cultural and theological context.