Chattanooga State Selected for Inaugural Racial Equity Leadership Academy

February 5, 2021 | Betty A. Proctor | Press Release

racial equity leadership academy with logos

Chattanooga State Community College has been selected as one of 10 colleges nationwide to participate in the inaugural Racial Equity Leadership Academy (RELA). Presented through the Achieving the Dream (ATD) network and the University of Southern California (USC) Race and Equity Center, with funding support from the Kresge Foundation and Greater Texas Foundation, the year-long program is scheduled to begin summer 2021.

Accepting the challenge to develop a new vision for campus equity work, “Chattanooga State is excited to be among the colleges taking part in the inaugural Racial Equity Leadership Academy,” said Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State president. “RELA’s objectives directly address our desire to have frank, productive conversations about racial equity on campus and to equip our campus community with the tools and strategies necessary to achieve racial equity while enabling us to exceed a new level of inclusiveness.”

Chattanooga State’s five-member team participating in RELA will be led by Quincy Jenkins, executive director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and chief diversity officer, who will provide leadership in creating a campus learning and working environment that promotes and maintains a campus culture of inclusive excellence.

Mr. Jenkins emphasized that Chattanooga State embraces the vast human diversity of our community. “As one of only 10 colleges chosen to participate in RELA, we strive to become a leader in inclusive and equitable practices,” stressed Jenkins. While the pandemic has exacerbated the pre-existing achievement gaps among African American and Latino/a students, “our participation in RELA will fortify our commitment to the success of Chattanooga’s most marginalized populations, and we are honored to share this exciting and timely news.”

College team members serving with Jenkins include Dr. Rebecca Ashford, president; Dr. Amanda Bennett, interim vice president of Student Affairs; Dr. Beth Norton, vice president of Academic Affairs; and Dr. Traci Williams, executive director of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning.

After a rigorous application process and upon Chattanooga State’s selection as one of the 10 community colleges to participate in the academy, President Ashford said, “Participation in this academy will help us meet our strategic goals related to closing the equity gaps we have in student outcomes. I look forward to the important work we will do over the coming months and years to ensure that all of our students graduate and go on to lead prosperous lives.”

Chattanooga State joined the ATD network in 2016 and was named one of 10 Leader Colleges in 2020. ATD is a growing network of more than 300 community colleges from 45 states committed to helping their students, particularly low-income students and students of color, achieve their goals for academic success, personal growth, and economic opportunity.

For more information about Chattanooga State’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, contact Quincy Jenkins, executive director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, quincy.jenkins@chattanoogastate.edu or call (423) 697-3244.