NCCU and Wilmette Institute Join Forces to Drive Social Change
DURHAM, NC—North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and the Wilmette Institute have officially teamed up to promote social change through a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). This collaboration aims to foster transformative initiatives that empower future generations to become agents of change within their communities.
“We are excited to embark on this exploratory journey with NCCU to enhance the capacity of the next generation of changemakers and to collectively advance society,” stated Chitra Golestani, Ph.D., deputy director of the Wilmette Institute.
Building on a Successful Partnership
The partnership has been in development since spring 2022, resulting in various joint initiatives, including:
– A lecture on Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome in March 2024.
– A plenary panel at the national conference titled “Theater and Education for Social Change.”
– The play “The Bus Stop” explores the stories of five Black women who meet at a bus stop on their way to visit loved ones in prison.
Exciting Opportunities Ahead
Dr. Ontario Wooden, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at NCCU expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We have eight department chairs who have engaged with the Wilmette Institute over the past two years. Collaborating with others around social issues is an exciting development for our faculty and departments.”
The MOU will be effective for five years. The Wilmette Institute will provide the curriculum for collaborative educational initiatives, guest lecturers, and opportunities for NCCU to present at Wilmette Institute symposia and webinars. Meanwhile, NCCU will promote these initiatives, recruit faculty as training facilitators, and provide classroom space for collaborative activities.
About the Wilmette Institute
Based in Evanston, Illinois, the Wilmette Institute has a faculty of 75 who offer non-degree certificates and courses through online education. They follow a Baha’i approach to social transformation.
This partnership represents a significant step toward addressing pressing social issues and creating meaningful educational opportunities. It also marks a pivotal initiative under the leadership of Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon, emphasizing NCCU’s commitment to social change through education and community engagement.
Photos courtesy of NCCU