My heart is grieved by the stark reminders of the realities of inequality and prejudice that frame so much of the daily experience of our African American brothers and sisters. I join them in mourning the brutal deaths of  George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, the most recent of so many others who have lost their lives in such circumstances. The events of the past several weeks have riveted our attention upon the undeniable reality of the racism that pervades our communities and distorts our perception of neighbors who are created in the image of God. The love of Christ compels us to do more than merely talk. We must act. As leaders within the Howard College of Arts and Sciences, we pledge to act and speak against the sinful curse of systemic racism. We further pledge our continued support for Dr. Gregory and Dr. Atkins in the expanded leadership roles that they have accepted. Associate Deans Emily Hynds and Don Bradley, Assistant Dean Dana Basinger, and I are grateful for Dr. Gregory’s many achievements as Assistant Provost for Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives at Samford University over the past several years. I believe she and Dr. Garry Atkins will bring transformative leadership to this vital work, and I am proud to pledge my support. The faculty of Howard College of Arts and Sciences can bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and focused, dedicated energy to bear on the task of “eliminating racism from the root and branch of our lives and institution.” Many of them have been so engaged for many years, and I am confident they will be eager to unite with Dr. Gregory and Dr. Atkins in this effort.

Tim Hall
Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences