Michael Eatman, director of intercultural student programs, recently completed training to become a certified diversity professional.

Michael Eatman, director of intercultural student programs at Spring Arbor University (SAU), recently enhanced his training and expertise in cultural diversity by becoming a certified diversity professional.

Eatman completed a program with Diversity Training University International (DTUI), a corporate university dedicated to training and certifying diversity professionals. He underwent a three-day intensive study in San Diego with cultural competence expert Billy Vaughn. Now a certified diversity professional, Eatman is incorporating new strategies and programs at the University to achieve the type of diversity suited for SAU.

As director of intercultural student programs, Eatman supervises courses and forums that create awareness about and address the need for racial inclusiveness and outreach. He strongly believes in providing resource opportunities to a wide range of students in order to foster academic, spiritual and social growth.

In 2006, in his newly created position at SAU, Eatman began programming based on his own background and personal experience. Working mostly with African-American students, his early research focused on black history, but he soon recognized the need to expand the course offerings. He switched the focus to including students of all races and backgrounds.

“I want to help SAU become the higher education institute of choice by bridging the individual culture gaps we all have,” explained Eatman. “Our Office of Intercultural Student Programs will address the tough issues and embrace diversity, ultimately helping our students, faculty and staff to grow in their understanding and acceptance of diversity.”

In addition to promoting campus-wide diversity, Eatman trains freshman students as diversity inclusion assistants and intercultural ambassadors. These individuals subsequently mentor the following year’s newcomers. Under his guidance, students are encouraged to lead various organizations and events and team with student government, resident life and other organizations across campus to spread cultural awareness.

Some niche groups created by intercultural relations include the gospel choir, Intercultural Student Association, ALANI (Asian, Latino, African, Native American Intercultural Organization), and Highbeam, a summer college preparatory program for incoming freshmen.

Eatman and his student employees are coordinating several events during the 2009-10 academic year, including a Harvest Fest, Scholar Works Seminar featuring faculty experts from neighboring institutions, and “Getting to Know You” discussion events. The Office of Intercultural Relations has been organizing activities to celebrate Hispanic History Month, Native American History Month and Women’s History Month, in addition to SAU’s existing recognition of Black History Month.

Eatman also serves as assistant editor of Strategic Diversity & Inclusion Management, a virtual magazine DTUI distributes. He will continue to work closely with Vaughn to further develop programming to meet SAU’s cultural diversity needs.

To learn more about intercultural relations at Spring Arbor University, visit www.arbor.edu.