Saint Paul, MN (February 18, 2025): In her recent welcome address at Saint Paul College’s Professional Development Day, President Deidra Peaslee, Ed.D., delivered a powerful message reaffirming the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a time of national uncertainty. 

President Peaslee’s remarks, titled “A Welcome for Uncertain Times,” addressed the anxieties and challenges facing the college community while emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in the institution’s mission, vision, and values. 

“We live in a changing and uncertain world,” President Peaslee acknowledged, “and it feels like everything is changing all at once.” She highlighted the importance of the college’s response to past challenges, stating, “The thread connecting all of them, the thing that got us through, was how we responded: in alignment with our mission, vision, and values. That’s our anchor. That’s what keeps us grounded to do the work of educating the most diverse student community in Minnesota.” 

She also emphasized that Saint Paul College’s commitment to creating an inclusive community of diverse learners reflects its core values, co-created by the college community following the murder of George Floyd, to represent who they are and what legacy they want to have. This process involved updating the mission, vision, and value statements to boldly reflect the college’s commitment to racial equity, community vibrancy, and economic vitality and to create a clear and intentional guide for its future.  

She also highlighted the importance of Vision 2028, which aims to graduate 1500 more students of color from academic programs that lead to family-sustaining jobs by 2028.  

“It reminds us that our work is not just about education,” President Peaslee stated. “It’s about building a more just and equitable future for everyone. It’s about empowering individuals, strengthening families, and enriching our entire community.”  Focusing on the students, President Peaslee shared, “Our student’s aspirations, their challenges, and their successes drive our work every single day. It’s for them that we strive for excellence, for them that we champion equity, and for them that we must constantly adapt and innovate.” 

President Peaslee concluded her remarks by urging the college community to communicate the value of learning, embrace the collective role needed to foster innovation and collaboration and remain focused on equity-driven strategies. 

“To fully become the institution our community needs,” she declared, “we must continue to transform learning, valuing the needs and aspirations of our students, and ensuring that every student leaves Saint Paul College with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.” 

Following President Peaslee’s welcome remarks, faculty and staff participated in professional development sessions focused on three unique tracks that align with SPC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access: basic needs, mental health first aid, and academic program optimization.  

The Basic Needs track featured a keynote from Dr. Chad Dull of Poverty Informed Practice, a panel from the Saint Paul College Basic Needs Task Force, and information about the Employee Assistance Program. The Mental Health First Aid track provided training on how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. The Academic Program Optimization track, led by experts from Gray DI, focused on using data to identify new program opportunities tailored to the region’s market demands and job forecasts.  These sessions provided valuable opportunities for faculty and staff to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas critical to student success and the college’s mission.