NHCC is the only community college in Minnesota designated as a TRHT Campus Center
BROOKLYN PARK, MN –The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) announced North Hennepin Community College as one of 14 new Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers across the nation that prepare the next generation of leaders to break down systemic racism and dismantle belief in a hierarchy of human value. NHCC is one of three higher education institutions and the only community college in Minnesota, designated as a TRHT Campus Center.
“We’re thrilled to partner with this new cohort of host institutions,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella, “and we look forward to supporting their vital efforts to promote racial equity and healing on their campuses, in their communities, and through the fast-growing network of TRHT Campus Centers around the country.”
Beginning with the inaugural cohort of TRHT Campus Centers at 10 AAC&U member institutions in 2017, the TRHT Campus Centers effort has grown into a dynamic and diverse network of host institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, faith-based institutions, and large research universities. The new centers bring the total number of TRHT Campus Centers to 71, continuing momentum toward AAC&U’s goal of establishing at least 150 self-sustaining, community-integrated TRHT Campus Centers at higher education institutions nationwide. Visit the TRHT Campus Center webpage for more information.
“We are excited about the TRHT Campus Center designation as it reinforces all the great work we’ve been doing,” said NHCC President Dr. Rolando García. “It also gives us a platform as leaders to drive this work forward within and alongside our community to activate change and make a positive difference.”
NHCC first attended the TRHT Institute in June 2020 with representation from the City of Brooklyn Park, and again in June 2022 in partnership with the City of Brooklyn Park and CCX Media. NHCC’s most recent representation included North Hennepin Community College Associate VP Equity & Inclusion, Dr. Eda Watts, Faculty Steward, Deane Newborg, and Director of Marketing & Communications, Liz Hogenson; City of Brooklyn Park Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Dr. Davis Marcellus; and CCX Media Special Projects Coordinator, Tamisha Touray, and Create Coordinator, Javier Cedillo.
Since the 2022 TRHT Institute, NHCC and the City of Brooklyn Park launched the Racial Healing Action Collaborative in October led by Dr. Eda Watts, Deane Newborg, and Dr. Marcellus Davis, a new initiative designed to activate action planning in support of equity and inclusion within the college and broader community. City of Brooklyn Park attendees include City Manager, Jay Stroebel, Assistant City Manager Josie Shardlow, Director of Finance, Latonia Green, Fire Chief, John Cunningham, Director of Community Development, Kim Berggren, Director of Parks and Recreation, Brad Tullberg, Director of Operations and Management, Dan Ruiz, IT Manager, Keith Ehrlichman, Communications Manager, Risikat Adesaogun, Human Resources Manager, Sara Kriewall, Police Chief, Mark Bruley; and North Hennepin Community College attendees include Faculty Amy Harms Hoad, and Director of Marketing & Communications, Liz Hogenson.
In addition, Dr. Eda Watts is leading anti-racism sessions with NHCC leadership, including President, Dr. Rolando García, Interim Provost, Julio Vargas-Essex, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, Lindsay Fort, Interim Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Innovation, Dr. Nerita Hughes, Interim Vice President of Finance & Facilities, Dawn Belko, Chief Information Officer, Joseph Collins, and Chief Human Resources Officer, Victoria DeFord.
Community members who are interested in learning more about participating in the Racial Healing Action Collaborative cohort are encouraged to complete this form.