Colleges and universities throughout the nation differ in numerous ways. Some are private while others are public; some are large urban universities while others are small rural campuses. However, many colleges and universities also share the common belief that diversity amongst the students, staff, and faculty is important in order to provide a quality education. There are several reasons why diversity is an important factor among college and university campuses nationwide. A college campus is like a melting pot of many races, ethnicities, genders, religions, ages, and socioeconomic statuses. Our college education might be the first chance for some of us to have actual interactions with people that
come from diverse groups. Diversity deepens the overall educational experience and expands a sense of worldliness. When we have a diverse professor we are learning from someone who has different experiences, beliefs, and viewpoints and therefore are widening our own knowledge bases. In other words, these lessons taught to us enhance the knowledge we already have. Diversity also promotes personal growth. When I am being taught by a professor from a foreign country, I am learning to communicate effectively with someone who has a completely different background than me, without even realizing it. In this we also refine our understanding by comparing and contrasting our own life experiences to those of our professors. Education that occurs within a diverse environment enhances America’s economic competitiveness and helps students to prepare for success in future careers since we are becoming more capable of making intelligent decisions about our academic and professional careers through becoming more self-aware. America’s current work force is extremely diverse and in order to be successful within it you must be sensitive to all human differences and be able to relate to people who come from a different background.
Diversity in college removes our tunnel vision and helps us to see a more panoramic perspective of what is going on around us and how we fit into it. The diversity we pursue and the future of the U.S. requires that colleges and universities continue to reach out and make an effort to build healthy and diverse learning environments. After all, the success of college educations and the strength of our democracy depend on it.