Diane Strawbridge interviewed by Mone' Parker, 2019

Creator:

Strawbridge, Diane and Parker, Mone'

Extent:

432.1 Megabytes 1 digital file and 00:25:00 Duration (HH:MM:SS.mmm)

Scope and content:

Records an interview with Diane L. Strawbridge, Executive Director for Student Access and Inclusion at James Madison University, who reflects on her experiences as a JMU alumna, longtime Harrisonburg resident, and founder of the Centennial Scholars Program. The interview documents the development and evolution of Centennial Scholars from its first cohort in 2004, including early challenges in communicating the program's purpose, building structures for study hall and community service, and partnering with offices such as Community Service-Learning to support Pell-eligible students from across Virginia. Discusses themes of educational access, student development, and institutional responsibility for diversity and inclusion at a predominantly white institution, highlighting how Centennial Scholars provides a space for students to explore identity, build community, and "take ownership" of campus while also challenging assumptions about who the program serves. Additional topics include Strawbridge's own commuter student experience in the late 1970s and early 1980s, changing patterns of racial diversity at JMU over several decades, and the role of Black faculty and staff mentors in sustaining community for students of color.

Language:

English

Physical facet:

(.wav)

Names:

Strawbridge, Diane
Parker, Mone'

Access and use