Western Michigan University President John Dunn says different religious beliefs should be respected. Dunn sent a campus-wide e-mail this week to respond to what he called the “current political climate in our nation.” He says Western has a long history of welcoming students from all over the world.
Dunn says students should also know that they are entering a “global platform” and being on a campus with students from many different corners of the world is a benefit for everyone.
Western’s President sat down with WMUK’s Gordon Evans, Kalamazoo Gazette Reporter Linda Mah and Battle Creek Enquirer Reporter Safiya Merchant to discuss a wide range of topics.
Battle Creek Presence
Western recently announced plans to help students at Miller College in Battle Creek, which will close this summer. Dunn says the university plans to continue searching for more opportunities to serve non-traditional students.
Dunn says Miller College specialized in serving adults who are still looking to finish a degree while they’re working. He says there are many people who are close to a degree, and may be well-established in their career. Dunn says the university is trying to evaluate what it can do to help those prospective graduates.
Racial Tensions and Diversity
Asked about the recent protests and racial tensions on other campuses, Dunn says there needs to be an effort to recognize the humanity in everyone on every campus. He says that includes differences in race, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Dunn says a university campus should include respect for differences of opinion and expression.
In his State of the University Address, Dunn called Western “the most inclusive university” in the state. He says that means everyone feel welcome on campus. Dunn says the university’s numbers are up for students of several “under-represented” groups.
Possible New Program
Asked about future efforts to improve diversity, Dunn pointed to the school’s efforts to help students aging out of the foster care program. He says there are also some “early conversations” about assistance for “first-time, non-violent youth offenders.”
Dunn says there should be a better method than putting young offenders in prison with multiple offenders. He says there could be alternatives that help those students who may be able to earn a GED, Associate’s Degree or graduate from a university. But Dunn admits that can be a tough sell for the public as families struggle with paying for college.
BTR Park Expansion
Western Michigan University is holding the first public input session on Thursday regarding plans to expand the Business Technology Research Park onto property known as the Colony Farm Orchard. Dunn says the expansion will allow greater business expansion and employment opportunities. Asked about concerns over the Asylum Lake property, Dunn says the university is committed to not developing on that land. He says Western officials are also being careful about expanding in a sustainable way.
Study Abroad
Three Western Michigan University students were in France, two of them in Paris, at the time of the terrorist attacks in November. The students were all reported safe shortly after news broke of the attack. Dunn says safety of students and methods to ensure safety are always reviewed. He says fears about unrest should not discourage or their families from study abroad programs.