Leading an Inclusive Community

By Nancy Schnarr, Senior Manager, Central Communications

For Dr. Marc Jerry, Renison’s President and Vice-Chancellor of only a few months, one thing is clear – people are important. From all corners of Renison – staff, faculty, students, visitors – Marc wants the community to know that at Renison, you are safe and you are welcome. 

One of the first things Marc noticed about Renison were the special people, and the special place that has been created. “I want to honour the incredible people working for our students and community, he says. “I’m proud of what I’m seeing.”

Nowhere was this more evident than on move-in weekend in late August, 2024. Renison houses just over 200 students every term and move-in weekend is a time of high activity, joy, and excitement, but also nerves and anxiety from students and parents. Marc describes an interaction with one family where a student’s parent was in the process of dropping their child off, and tears were streaming down their face. A grandparent also stood by with tears in their eyes. Marc spoke with the grandparent and reassured them, saying “we will take good care of them.” That short moment left an impression, and Marc received an email soon after from that same grandparent to express their appreciation for Marc, and for Renison. 

One of the strategic pillars in the recent strategic plan is to foster a strong, inclusive, and healthy community.  It’s a pillar that’s important to Marc and, in his own words, “I am genuinely committed to ensuring that Renison is a safe and inclusive space.” As a parent, it matters to Marc that students can grow during their university experience, regardless of identity.  

This isn’t the first time Marc has prioritized inclusion while in leadership roles. He attributes his success to “being an unrelenting champion for spaces that are inclusive.” During his time as President at Luther College, his role immediately preceding Renison, the school flew pride flags at both the university and high school campuses, marched in the Regina Pride parade, achieved gender balance on the executive team, and hired a Chaplain who was a champion for diverse spaces. 

For Renison, Marc wants to see concrete examples of how we create inclusive space – like the recent creation of the Link Inclusion Lounge for students. The student connection is key; student leaders who are learning about creating inclusive spaces will help weave that value into our community, to create more spaces with EDI at the forefront. 

It’s also important to Marc that the community know that he understands his role in the work of advancing goals of inclusion, “I’m keenly aware that I’m a cis-gender, white, male ally,” he says. “I intend to use that privilege to make our spaces safe.”