Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Webster University

From its historic home campus in Webster Groves, Mo., Webster University continues to carry on its Loretto founders’ commitment to provide educational opportunities for those who had not been served. Starting with a small class of women in 1915 (five years before women in the United States could vote), Webster has expanded its diverse community across four continents. In 2021, nearly half the students enrolled at Webster campuses are Black, indigenous and other people of color. At Webster, diversity and inclusion are more than meeting a goal; dialogue, talent and academic success from people with various backgrounds build community.

In the summer of 2020, Webster initiated “Webster Speaks: Dialogues on Race, Equity and Inclusion,” an ongoing virtual speaker series hosted by Vincent C. Flewellen, chief diversity officer at Webster University.

Last September, Olympic athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee spoke about her work with young African Americans in her native East Saint Louis, Ill., on “Black Athletes, Powerful Voices.” Asked if she would “take a knee” for social justice, she replied, “I’m glad the athletes are able to speak out in this regard. There’s an awakening, there’s an awareness, and you’re seeing people from all walks of life coming together to really try to change systemic racism.” Other topics in the series include: “How the Media Cover Race,” “Activism through Art” and “Race in Higher Education.” Episodes are available at Webster Speaks | Webster University.

Each February, the Office of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) at Webster sponsors annual conferences, the most recent a virtual event with keynote speeches by Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, and Charlotte Clymer, transgender activist, military veteran and former press secretary at The Human Rights Campaign. Over three days, participants engaged in panel discussions ranging from “The Power of Allyship” to “Nurturing Black Creative Talent.” Sixteen sessions are available for viewing on the Webster DEI YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@websteruniversity.

Among the student leadership awards announced each spring, the Jacqueline Grennan Wexler Award for Humanitarianism and Servant Leadership recognizes students who carry forward her commitment to create a better world, both for individuals and organizations. As President of Webster from 1965-1969, “Sister J” believed it was her duty to build momentum that would make Webster a part of the future and to create students who would encourage systemic changes in their communities. Recipients reflect the diverse Webster global community:

Wafa Osman, the 2020 recipient, has served widely in her community, including Mission STL: Beyond School Associate, All Access Interpreters as a Somali medical interpreter, Student Literacy Corps tutor for the St. Louis Public Schools.

In the words of Jacqueline Grennan Wexler from 1969, “It is for all of us a time for pragmatism in learning and practicing the most effective tactics we can learn and invent in renewing the wounded and unfinished society to which we belong.”