Affirming the Heart of Berea

This Fall term, I will emphasize the act of listening as the foundation of a deeper understanding and appreciation of Berea College. In these sessions, we will engage in active and empathetic listening, ensuring that all voices are heard and all ideas are honored.

Our open listening sessions are meant to inspire collaborative thinking about the best version of Berea’s future. Two different types of listening sessions will be offered to the campus, and both are a chance for President Nixon to listen to ideas and suggestions from all members of the Berea College community—students, staff, and faculty.

These open sessions are designed to bring larger groups of attendees together around key questions twice per month in September, October, and November.  These interactive brainstorming sessions will take place over lunch, featuring food and fellowship. No sign-up is required. Come prepared to talk about these four topics:

All members of the Berea College community are invited to sign up to join a smaller group for an in-depth discussion focused on just one of the four topics above. By focusing on one topic, these one-hour sessions will dig deeper into selected ideas.  All sessions will occur in the President’s Home during various morning (with coffee) and afternoon (with snacks) times on a weekly basis beginning in September. Attendees must sign up by completing the following form for a session. Please note that each session has a maximum of 12 participants, lasting for an hour in the President's home. At this time, all Deep Dive sessions have been completed—thank you for attending!​

In addition to listening, I must learn from you.  I want to understand Berea College’s many facets by “learning by doing” with you—by participating in your experience of Berea.  This Fall and Spring term, I will be coming to your typical meetings and activities, encouraging you to let me join into your “everyday” Berea.

These learning opportunities will involve President Nixon attending various meetings with students, staff, and faculty across campus. These will include, for example, department meetings, staff division meetings, student clubs, classes, labor assignments, and many others. President Nixon wants to see the student experience through the students’ eyes; an end result could be a map of the student journey through Berea.  Similarly, President Nixon wants to understand staff and faculty work structures, charting both the fulfillment and the challenges that define our community.

President Nixon will be reaching out to multiple groups on campus, ensuring a good mix of learning sessions.  If you would like to invite her to a specific meeting, please contact Judy Mott in the President’s office at mottj@berea.edu.

In order to build community, we must share its joy! I look forward to connecting with you at the social and cultural events we typically hold at Berea College, ranging from music to athletics to guest speakers. And, let me add to this mix—this year, I will be holding events focused on outreach and enjoyment.

Throughout the Fall and Spring terms, there will be a variety of social events to engage with President Nixon.  Students, get ready for series of events that feature design thinking about future spaces on campus.  Also get ready for pop-up visits to the Dining Hall that will encourage relaxed conversation.  And, get ready for the “Connect For” club—more to come on this mysterious idea… Faculty and staff, a series of social events will be held at the President’s House. With everything from outdoor barbeque/cook-outs to wine and cheese gatherings—there will be an event for you!