HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University leaders on Tuesday cut the ribbon on the institution’s new Intercultural Center, which will serve as a hub for various offices focused on diversity and inclusion.
The new space in the campus’ East Hall includes the LGBTQ+ Office, the Center for African American Students, and the Center for International Student Affairs in addition to other office spaces.
Avi Mukherjee, the institution’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, said the Intercultural Center will offer educational, social and leadership opportunities while promoting inclusion and cultural understanding.
“I think our Intercultural Center will be a destination for all — everyone in the state of West Virginia and beyond — and be a draw during all campus tours for all visitors,” he said.
Mukherjee continued, “We are going to be a global community and a global university. In order to do that, we need a space that brings us together in mind, body and spirit.”
Maurice Cooley, the vice president of intercultural affairs and student affairs, said professors and students have already dedicated time toward making the university a better place, and the new space is part of this effort.
“We’ve come a long way, y’all. We weren’t here a few years ago, but we are here where we are today, and we have a way to go,” he said.
Cooley said interculturalism is different from just recognizing other people; he explained community members should learn from other experiences and use this education to create a positive influence.
“We also must prepare all of our graduates that when they leave our campus here — their four or six years of study here — that they’re prepared to be leaders in a pluralistic and global society,” he said.
Other officers located in East Hall include the Office of Student Success and the English Language Institute offices.