Debbie Taylor Joins Multicultural Programming Department

Debbie Taylor

By Graciela Garcia
JSU News Bureau

Have you ever walked around the Jacksonville State University campus and listened? Really listened?

Different languages sprinkle across conversations, from Spanish to Serbian, to Italian, Japanese, and more.  The convergence of many different cultures at JSU has led to unlikely friendships and has improved cultural awareness and diversity.

In order to create a link between the different cultures and races, the office of Multicultural Programming at JSU is striving to offer unique events that will promote diversity on campus. 

Headed by Debbie Taylor after a merger between the office of Student Life and Multicultural Services, Multicultural Programming is now developing unique programs that allow students to experience other cultures in a fun and memorable way.

Taylor joined JSU thirteen years ago as a part-time worker in the president's office. She then moved briefly to counseling and career services, and was transferred to student life in 1995.  She is now the assistant director of the Office of Student Life and Multicultural Programming. 

"I love working with young people," Taylor remarked.  "Years roll around and you don't think about it until you see old students coming back."

Besides adding new activities, Taylor wants to stress the importance of keeping the fun factor alive.  March will be an important month for multicultural programming, as it will promote awareness of women's issues.  Taylor pointed out that she wants to create knowledge about women's leading cause of death: heart disease.

Past activities have included Hispanic Heritage Month in October, in which students danced the night away to the rhythm of Salsa and Merengue.  The Native American month in November brought together Kitty Stone Elementary students and a chief from the Alabama Affairs Commission.  For Black History Month, celebrated in February, students participated in different activities, with the soul food banquet being the closing activity.

For more information contact Debbie Taylor at (256) 782-5491.

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