Effective July 5th, Kalvin Cummings (he/him) has been named the inaugural Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). As Assistant Director, Kalvin will oversee all of the Collegiate Religious Center’s (CRC) programs and services, supervise the Campus Chaplains, support the student organizations of faith and their campus religious advisors, as well as manage and champion ODIME’s community service programs.
“I am delighted to have Kalvin join the Division of Talent and Inclusion and provide leadership in building on our spiritual life programs for students. His rich and varied experience in spiritual life, social work, and education will assist us in advancing the strategic goals related to wellness and inclusion outlined in our Lead With Purpose: 2021-2026 strategic plan. Kalvin will be a valued member of the WPI community.” –Dr. Lauren Turner, Senior Vice President for Talent and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer
Based on student feedback received from the Mental Health and Well-being Task Force and through the work of the Mental Health Implementation Team (MHIT) to expand religious support services, this new position was designed using existing resources within the ODIME.
“I am thrilled to have Kalvin join the ODIME Team. I believe his skills and experiences are just what the community needs right now as we look to heal and build community after these challenging times. He will assist us and the WPI community in promoting holistic wellness of one’s spirit, mind, and body. I believe his portfolio within the ODIME and collaborative work with our Campus Chaplains will complement the work of our campus partners in the Center for Well-Being (CWB), Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC), Student Health Services, and Physical Education, Recreation & Athletics (PERA).” –Arnold Lane, Jr., Director of Multicultural Education and Community Engagement
Kalvin will assist WPI with creating new learning experiences and programs to promote spiritual growth, development, and exploration while continuing to build on the Institute’s efforts related to student mental health and well-being and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“I come to WPI in an atmosphere where we all have weathered consistent change and loss due to the global pandemic. I am excited to work towards restoring connection to each other, as well as ourselves, as we build new forms of community at WPI.” – Kalvin Cummings, Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life
Kalvin received his bachelor of science degree in biology from East Tennessee State University and his master of arts degree in religion from Milligan College (both in Johnson City, TN). He also continued graduate study in a master of counseling psychology program at Milligan College and is currently pursuing a master of arts in religion (MAR) with a concentration in religion and literature at Yale Divinity School.