Our Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is an indispensable component of academic excellence and holistic development. As a Catholic university and the largest private institution of higher learning in Minnesota, St. Thomas has both an extraordinary opportunity and a special responsibility to create and maintain a climate that affirms diversity of persons as well as diversity of views. A commitment to diversity means a commitment to the inclusion, welcome, and support of individuals from all groups, encompassing the various characteristics of persons in our community. Among these characteristics are race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, geographic and linguistic background, religion, and physical ability. As we harness the power of diversity, we will provide students, faculty, and staff a university experience rich in perspectives and opportunities to learn from each other.

Diversity is central to our institutional mission of teaching and educating "students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good."Purposely, we include "dignity" and "diversity" as part of our institutional Convictions. "We respect the dignity of each person and value the unique contributions that each brings to the greater mosaic of the university community"; and, "We strive to create a vibrant diverse community in which, together, we work for a more just and inclusive society." In the strength of shared accountability, we encourage each academic and administrative unit, student organization, campus community member and institutional stakeholders to help make our campus a welcoming place for all. We are committed to the complex and dynamic process of creating an environment in which the benefits of diversity are realized.

Sincerely,

Lawrence T. Potter, Jr., Ph.D

Executive Director & Chief Diversity Officer
Office of Institutional Diversity
Program Director  and Principal Investigator (PI)
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program