Gina Hill_600x300Redgina Hill has been called to take on a new position at Bethel College. And she has big plans for this important role. As director of diversity and inclusion, the former admission counselor aims to shift the way diversity is thought about on campus.

“It’s not just [about] social justice issues or securing the rights of historically disadvantaged individuals or groups,” Hill says. “We need to look at diversity through the lens of academic and institutional excellence.”

This newly created position is designed to deepen the college’s efforts in promoting diversity among students, faculty and staff. The goal: to bring more of God’s Kingdom to Bethel – “on earth, as it is in heaven,” while staying true to our biblical roots. And it comes at a time when demographic shifts in the United States demand it.

“Over the next 10 years, 80 percent of new student enrollment will be low-income and students of color,” Hill says.

Bethel has already seen a shift happening on campus, growing to 22 percent culturally diverse students in the undergraduate program. This is a two percent increase over the past five years. Hill has advocated for diversity on campus through creating an IMPACT preview day, an event specifically designed for first generation college students and students of color. She’s also coadvised the Rev. Billy Kirk Scholar Leadership program.

“As an admission counselor– it helped me understand the importance of enrollment and provided a window to diversity on campus,” Hill says of the role she held since 2010.

In addition to her work in Admission, Hill has advised the Black Student Fellowship, served on the Multi-Ethnic Resource Team and founded the Women’s Empowerment Hour. Her passion for leadership in this area led her to pursue a doctorate degree in higher education from Azusa Pacific University, where she was selected for the 2015 Social Justice and Diversity Fellowship.

So, when President Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D., approached her about the diversity and inclusion position, she knew it was not only the right next step in her career, but also a calling.

“It was the right next move for me,” says Hill, who lives in South Bend with her husband, Armar’rae, and their daughter, Sarai. “It was what I was praying for. Literally. It was a God thing.”

HILL’S CREDENTIALS
B.A. – Indiana University, Bloomington
MBA – Indiana Wesleyan University
PH.D. Candidate, Azusa Pacific University

DIVERSITY SPEAKER SERIES
This fall, Hill is excited to help coordinate workshops and events for the newly established Judith and Ernest Davis Diversity Speaker Series, sponsored by Bethel graduate and member of the Board of Trustees, Judith Davis, and her husband, Ernest. The goal of the series is to equip all students with actionable information that will empower them to advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Learn more about diversity on Bethel’s campus.