NCCU and Wilmette Institute Commit to Collaborating on Social Change

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and the Wilmette Institute signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at nothing less than social transformation.

"We are really excited to be on an exploratory journey with NCCU to raise capacity in the next generation of changemaker and to work toward the collective advancement of society," said Chitra Golestani, Ph.D., deputy director of the Wilmette Institute.

The two entities have collaborated since spring 2022. Their joint efforts include a lecture on Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome in March 2024, a plenary panel at a national conference titled "Theater and Education for Social Change" and a play titled "The Bus Stop" about five Black women who meet at a bush stop on their way to visit imprisoned loved ones.

We have eight department chairs who have been involved with Wilmette Institute over the last two years," said Ontario Wooden, Ph.D., interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "When you can get faculty and departments to collaborate with others around social issues, it is exciting times."

The memorandum of understanding will remain in effect for five years. Wilmette Institute's role will include providing curriculum for collaborative educational initiatives, guest lecturers and opportunities for NCCU to present at Wilmette Institute symposia and webinars.

NCCU's role will include promoting collaborative educational initiatives, recruiting interested faculty to serve as training facilitators and providing classroom space.

The Wilmette Institute, based in Evanston, Illinois, has 75 faculty that offer non-degree certificate and course through online education rooted in a Baha'i approach to social transformation.

This is the first MOU under the leadership of Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon.

For photos of the partnership celebration, visit here.