Home
Inner Page
Welcome
Founded in 1989 as the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations, the Institute was later renamed in honor of Lewis Walker, Emeritus Chair/Professor of Sociology, in recognition of Dr. Walker’s long-standing and ongoing contributions to Western Michigan University and to the study of race and ethnic relations.
MISSION
Building on Dr. Walker’s work, the mission of the Institute involves teaching, research and service to promote:
- understanding of racial and ethnic relations in the United States and in other multicultural societies
- appreciation of the diverse peoples and cultures of the United States
- more equitable and inclusive communities and institutions
GOALS
By collaborating with scholars throughout the University, the Walker Institute has the following goals for 2008:
- Engage in applied research in Kalamazoo in support of community efforts to enable all students to benefit from the Kalamazoo Promise–especially students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Launch a series of policy briefs on racial, ethnic and economic equity in the Great Lakes region, with a focus on (a) disparate effects of the economic dislocations that have occurred, and (b) innovative responses to changing economic circumstances that result in more stable and inclusive communities.
- Develop an interdisciplinary course of studies at the undergraduate level examining racial and ethnic group relations in cross-cultural perspective.
- Host the second annual Research and Creative Activity Awards Program and Forum, which involves faculty, graduate and undergraduate students.
- Hold a conference highlighting the diverse peoples and cultures of Michigan at the Fetzer Center in October, 2008.
(click picture)
Meet Dr. Lewis Walker
