Diversity at Christian Colleges: It's About Mission

Abstract

A qualitative case study methodology was used to determine what drives four Christian colleges attempting to become more diverse communities and what role their mission plays in seeking the change they desire. The focus was on analyzing the tension between the institutions' missions as Christian colleges and their desire to become more ethnically diverse, as well as the role of their history in either helping or hindering their efforts. The research also explored whether an institution's denomination helped or hindered its diversity efforts. The final goal of the study was identifying how these institutions were coordinating and monitoring their efforts to become more diverse.

Results identified that all four institutions were making some level of progress within each of the dimensions. All four institutions share drivers in their efforts to become more diverse as well as tensions between their mission as Christian colleges and their desire for more diversity. None of the participants believed their respective institutions were coordinating and monitoring efforts effectively. Two of the four institutions were identified as having the most potential to sustain their diversity efforts over a long period of time.