Asbury’s Esther D. Jadhav Presents as CCCU Diversity Conference’s Keynote Speaker

October 20, 2023

Last week, Rev. Dr. Esther D. Jadhav, Asbury’s Associate Vice President for Intercultural Affairs, presented research as a keynote speaker and diversity expert for the 2023 Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)’s Diversity Conference at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark.   

“I am grateful to the CCCU Commission of Diversity and Inclusion, and CCCU President Dr. Shirley Hoogstra for the opportunity,” said Jadhav. “When the invitation came, I quickly remembered each and every individual that has impacted me, inspired me, encouraged me and invested in my life, academically, professionally and personally. I remain very grateful for the scholars and practitioners of the field I have had the opportunity to engage with in this work. Most importantly, I am grateful for our students who have taught me the significance and the need for Micah 6:8: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

As a researcher and practitioner, Jadhav has focused on developing initiatives and programs that elevate the critical role of theology in activating cultural responsibility as an institutional distinctive. From professionals like Jadhav, the conference included keynote sessions and workshops that showcase research and best practices on strategic campus transformation that will meet the needs of all students and is designed to be a space for educators within the CCCU to engage one another in dialogue, critical thinking and networking. 

The CCCU Diversity Conference precedes Asbury University’s sixth annual Embrace Conference, held on Nov. 7 and 8. This year’s theme is “Mutuality and Racial Reconciliation” led by keynote speaker Dr. John Inazu, co-author of Uncommon Ground with Tim Keller.

Embrace focuses on racial reconciliation and justice through a Wesleyan theological understanding. Sponsored each year by the Office of Intercultural Affairs, the conference is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to come together and learn from scholars and practitioners in the field.

With involvement in both the CCCU and Embrace Conferences, Jadhav advocates for awareness in diversity through many lenses.

“The opportunity that is ahead of us is to understand the changing landscape and its demands and participate in it actively and faithfully as we remain anchored in the orthodoxy of our faith tradition,” said Jadhav. “It is timely that we engage the orthopraxy we find within the teachings of Wesleyan thought to help us with living and serving faithfully in a world of differences.”

To hear Jadhav discuss the Embrace Conference on our weekly podcast, This is Asbury, visit https://www.asbury.edu/about/offices/strategic-communications/thisisasbury/