- C. PEEPER MCDONALD - PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC
  • About
    • Enhancing Diversity
    • CV
    • P.A.R.s
    • Awards & Honors
  • Teaching
    • Teaching Philosophy Statement
    • Course Syllabi
    • Student Evaluations
    • Teaching Resources
  • Scholarship
    • Scholarship Philosophy Statement
    • Publications at-a-glance
    • Presentations
    • Invited Scholarship Presentations
    • Student Collaborations
  • Service
    • Service Philosophy Statement
    • Service Experience at-a-glance

Diversity Statement

     At Agnes Scott College, a liberal arts institution that celebrates a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives with no ethnic majority, I am profoundly inspired by the diversity that surrounds me. This vibrant environment deeply informs every aspect of my professional and personal life, shaping my approach to teaching, research, and community engagement.
     As a biracial individual who presents as White, my lived experiences have instilled in me a nuanced understanding of identity, privilege, and oppression. Navigating these complex dynamics fuels my passion for exploring issues of diversity, multiculturalism, social justice, and advocacy in my academic work.
My research agenda is dedicated to examining the intersections of race, identity, and social justice. I focus on critical areas such as racial mislabeling, color-blindness, discrimination, and the identity development of multiracial individuals. These topics are not merely academic pursuits for me; they are deeply personal. They reflect my commitment to addressing systemic inequities and fostering inclusive environments where every individual can thrive.
     At Agnes Scott College, I am privileged to work alongside students and colleagues from a multitude of backgrounds. This diversity enriches our collective learning experience and drives our community toward greater empathy and compassion, understanding, and action. In my role as an educator and counselor, I strive to create spaces where all voices are heard and valued, empowering students to embrace their unique identities and contribute meaningfully to society. Furthermore, the courses I teach - Counseling Theories, Introduction to Counseling, Multicultural Psychology through a Social Justice Lens, Applied Research Practice, and Psychology of Women (starting in Spring 2023) - are all deeply influenced by the rich diversity of our academic community. In each of these courses, I strive to integrate multiple perspectives and foster an inclusive learning environment. For instance, in Multicultural Psychology, I emphasize the importance of understanding cultural contexts and advocate for social justice in psychological practice. In Counseling Theories and Intro to Counseling, I prepare students to recognize and address the diverse needs of their future clients.  The research lab (Applied Research Practice) offers students hands-on opportunities to explore these themes empirically, encouraging them to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on diversity and social justice. Finally, my future Psychology of Women course will critically examine gender issues, promoting an intersectional approach that considers race, class, and sexuality. This holistic approach to education ensures that our students are not only well-prepared academically but also equipped to be compassionate, socially aware leaders.
     My commitment to social justice and advocacy extends beyond the classroom. Through non-profit initiatives like BeTheChurch, I emphasize the importance of multicultural responsiveness and community relationships . I believe that true education transcends academic boundaries and involves active participation in creating a more just and equitable world.
    In conclusion, my identity as a biracial individual and my dedication to diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice profoundly influence my work at Agnes Scott College. I am honored to contribute to a community that embodies these values and look forward to continuing to advance our shared mission of inclusivity and excellence.
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  • About
    • Enhancing Diversity
    • CV
    • P.A.R.s
    • Awards & Honors
  • Teaching
    • Teaching Philosophy Statement
    • Course Syllabi
    • Student Evaluations
    • Teaching Resources
  • Scholarship
    • Scholarship Philosophy Statement
    • Publications at-a-glance
    • Presentations
    • Invited Scholarship Presentations
    • Student Collaborations
  • Service
    • Service Philosophy Statement
    • Service Experience at-a-glance