Lindenwood University announces Dr. Claude Steele as the keynote speaker for the Day of Dialogue, being held Weds, March 3. The Day of Dialogue is a campus-wide event where students, faculty, and staff can examine their individual and institutional role in building a shared community. This event supports the University’s educational mission by providing a space outside of the classroom to support academic and intellectual inquiry.   

Steele is an American social psychologist and a professor of psychology at Stanford University. Drawing on stereotype threat and social identity threat research, Dr. Steele’s talk will address the why, what, and how of diverse learning communities: why they are important, a working hypothesis about what is critical to their success, and what research reveals about how to achieve that success. The talk’s practical aim is to identify features of diverse learning communities—schools, universities, and academic disciplines. While good for all students, these practices are especially helpful for minority students and women in STEM fields. The talk will also explore the psychological significance of community and its role in learning. 

Steele holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Hiram College, a master’s in social psychology from The Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and Statistical Psychology from The Ohio State University. He holds honorary doctorates from Yale University, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, DePaul University, and Claremont Graduate University. 

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Steele currently serves as the Chair of the Russell Sage Foundation Board of Directors, on the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation board, and the Scripps College board. He has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Science Board, the National Academy of Education, and the American Philosophical Society. 

The Day of Dialogue planning committee would like to thank the DEI Task Force, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, President’s Equity and Inclusion Council, Chaplain’s Office, Deans’ Council, Faculty Council, Staff Council, Lindenwood Learning Academy, the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Engagement, and the Residential Life Office for their support in making the Day of Dialogue possible. 

The event is free and open to all members of the campus community and general public. Pre-registration is available through the Lindenwood Learning Academy.