Podcast: Culture and Belonging

The really successful college or university is organic and willing to evolve and change. Embracing change is vital to progress, so cultivating the ability to change is essential. Drs. Hal Fulmer and Christina Martin have survived their fair share of organizational change. Each has filled multiple roles in various departments just at Troy University, not to mention their individual experiences at previous institutions. They speak candidly about navigating the inevitable evolution of systems and technology while emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining relationships with others. If our differences are what lead to greater learning and understanding, then finding a productive pathway through conflict is invaluable. Constructive conflict leads us forward.

“Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act.” Troy University’s motto has stood the test of time because it gets to the core of what it means to be human. We are complex beings, and we all have stories and experiences worth sharing. Tropolitan student newspaper editorial staff members Emily Mosier (editor-in-chief) and Kris Harrell (Trojan living editor) shared their opinions with us on recent state legislation concerning funding for diversity initiatives in higher education and other state agencies. Resources that help students feel safe and seen are valuable and accessible across college and university campuses even when they are not housed in a one-stop-shop. We can all do our part to help others belong.

TROY Art and Design professor Ed Noriega talks about how it felt to move into south Alabama as an “outsider” from southern California via NYC. Belonging for him has been a lifelong struggle, as he has navigated various professional settings with different cultural mixes and strived to set a high bar for himself and his students. A truly eclectic and inspirational creative with big plans for retirement on and around his peafowl farm, Ed advocates play as he reflects candidly on lessons he has learned and challenges he has overcome. 

Ray White is the Vice Chancellor of Troy University’s Montgomery Campus, but 25 years ago, in a previous role at the University, he set out to establish the Rosa Parks Museum on the site of her 1955 arrest. He shares candid reflections on his work to build trust as he worked with Mrs. Parks and her family, collected materials, and consulted with Civil Rights experts to build the interpretive museum and children’s wing as it exists today. Although change may take generations, we can treat others well and genuinely care about their stories. Even our seemingly small decisions today direct our future.

Be curious. Have a conversation with a stranger. Try something new. Travel. What better ways are there to get out of our comfort zone? Dr. Kelly Suero, associate professor of Spanish language at Troy University, advocates travel as a means of stimulating intellectual curiosity. Her love of travel began with a study abroad trip to Argentina at age 18, and she says that we should all aim to become compassionate, understanding global citizens. 

Dr. Brandon Stewart studies ethnic politics and political violence. In this episode we’ll talk with him about how cultural, political, and ethnic identities are constructed. And we’ll learn how to promote understanding and cooperation within diverse populations.

Spanish language professor Dr. Johanna Alberich is passionate about sparking curiosity in her students and encouraging them to learn about people who are different from them. She defines culture as a belief system that can vary by individual and says belonging primarily focuses on adaptability. She serves as a resource for colleagues preparing to lead their first study abroad trip for students, and she emphasizes how rewarding it is to hear students express their gratitude and expanded mindset after a study abroad experience. She believes strongly that intercultural competence is vital regardless of your discipline or location.

Author, librarian, and historian Dr. Christopher (Chris) Shaffer talks books, food, and travel with us on our ninth episode of the Culture and Belonging podcast. He agrees that culture is difficult to define and shares insights about why banning books is never a good idea (unless you’re hoping to spike book sales). He talks specifically about his own book, Moon over Sasova, and a sample of personal anecdotes he shares in it, and he concludes with a challenge to prioritize authentic travel experiences that build empathy and feed our curiosity.

Cultural identity is often tied to where we call home, but what happens when that home changes? Today, we’ll talk to Miguel Rodriguez-Blest, who lived most of his life in Puerto Rico before moving to south Alabama.