Student Life

A message from James J. Greenwood,
director of multicultural education

Diversity at NMH is more than just skin deep. Since its founding in 1879, the school has taken great pride in its unique history of inclusivity and its genuine commitment to equity and social justice. NMH’s earliest graduating classes included Native American, African American, and Asian students—unheard of in institutions of our kind at the time—and we have maintained an extraordinarily diverse student body over the decades.

More than just a “diverse” community, we are truly a multicultural one. NMH welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds: Our students come from 30 states and 25 countries, from Minnesota to Moldova. Students of color, both domestic and international, make up almost one-third of our student body. For all their differences, however, NMH students have one thing in common: They are deeply compassionate and value close relationships with each other and the community.

Here, diversity is considered a strength—deeply embedded in the culture of the institution. Our emphasis on multiculturalism and commitment to equity are not only important, but also distinguishing. They are evident not only in our community but also in our curriculum.  As director of multicultural education, my role is to aid our faculty in examining not only what they teach but also how they teach, and to help ensure that all our students learn about others, while still seeing themselves reflected in the school’s curriculum.

Our students leave NMH prepared to be culturally aware and socially responsible citizens of a global community.