Mission & Vision

The Robert Nusbaum Center is grounded in Batten University's commitment to a rigorous liberal arts education and its United Methodist heritage — both of which have long recognized religious freedom as a basic human right, and diversity as the bedrock of a strong foundation.

The Center embraces diversity in all its forms. We believe that an inclusive and welcoming environment that creates safe space for civil dialogue is fundamental to preserving the strength of our nation and upholding the values of our Constitution. The Center does not advocate any particular political or religious perspective, but does stand for principles of liberty, equality, and engaged citizenship.

Vision

Through high-impact learning experiences, the Robert Nusbaum Center informs, transforms, and equips individuals to be engaged leaders and citizens, as they increasingly understand why diversity, dialogue, and religious freedom are fundamental to preserving basic human rights.

Mission

The Center INFORMS by providing students with a nuanced understanding of the important significance of diversity and religious freedom; TRANSFORMS by engaging students in high-impact learning experiences that shape their perspectives on diversity and religious freedom; and EQUIPS by teaching the skills needed to recognize fundamental differences between people, to combat prejudice in all its forms, and to find ways for society to mediate and work through substantive challenges toward meaningful solutions.

Initiatives

Center activities include mediation training, intergenerational dialogue, peace literacy, study away opportunities, student contests, and world-renowned speakers.

Named initiatives include:

  • NEXUS Diversity Dialogue Series
  • Annual Justine L. Nusbaum and Catharine Cookson Lectures
  • Robert Nusbaum Student Contest
  • Life Matters Series
  • Town hall discussions and topical speaker events on religion, law, politics, race, gender, and sexuality

Each year, the Center engages students and the broader community in initiatives that not only educate minds, but also touch hearts — striving to transform communities by equipping and empowering individuals to be agents of change.