A message from the President
We live and work in a richly diverse world. At Carthage, we strive to enhance the diversity and equity of our community and, together, to create an ever more enlightened and inclusive environment that will positively impact the world.
We do this not only because we know the great value of a diverse and equitable educational environment — for these benefits have been well-documented — but also because it is who we are and it is the right thing to do. And the message we hope to convey to all who come to explore and join Carthage College is that you belong here. You belong here because of who you are, where you come from, and what gifts you possess. Please join us.
— Carthage College President John Swallow
Carthage College Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
In September 2019, President Swallow announced the creation of the President’s Advisory Board for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, following the completion of the College’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan. The Advisory Board consists of five faculty and staff members and two students. The group is charged with monitoring the College’s progress as we seek to become an ever more inclusive and equitable campus. Carthage is committed taking ongoing action.
In July 2020, President Swallow announced an Anti-Racism Plan of Action, to both affirm and demonstrate that Black lives matter. This plan of action takes as its guiding principle the words of Ida B. Wells, a Black educator, journalist, and activist: “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” In this plan, which is the result of conversations across our community and builds on the Carthage College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan 2020-2023, Carthage commits to close our achievement gap in graduation rates; expand resources for work in diversity, equity, and inclusion; and infuse the teaching of U.S. racial history throughout our curriculum for all students. Read more about Carthage’s Anti-Racism Plan of Action
Wiggan-Kenniebrew Black Alumni Network
The Wiggan-Kenniebrew funds were established in March 2018 by the Wiggan-Kenniebrew Black Alumni Network, a group of committed Carthage alumni who have joined with Carthage faculty and staff to increase enrollment of students of color, and to secure the resources necessary to provide these students with the support they need to persevere to graduation and fulfill their post-graduation goals. Learn more about the Wiggan-Kenniebrew funds
Equity and Inclusion Committee Members