To support and celebrate men of color on campus, Colgate launched a new program in the fall. Led by Dean of Students Dorsey Spencer Jr., The Men of Color Success Network aims to foster inclusivity and improve the Colgate experience.
“The mission is to promote a sense of belonging and well-being, encourage co-curricular engagement, and provide an additional layer of support to enhance the success of undergraduate men of color at Colgate,” Spencer says.
The pilot program — housed within the Dean of the College division — has received backing from faculty and staff members across campus. “This is an opportunity to see, meet, and support each other — and to celebrate the presence [of men of color] on campus,” says Rodney Agnant ’14, assistant director of programming and lead facilitator of Chapel House.
Agnant led one of the first events, called Chop It Up, with a talk on his personal Colgate experience. The gathering provided a barbershop atmosphere for club members, offering free haircuts, food, music, and fellowship. Chop It Up established an environment where attendees could share their experiences as well as learn about campus resources. Agnant notes, “This was not part of my undergraduate experience.” Therefore, he says, he appreciates “the strong engagement of staff and faculty [members] to share resources with each other and with students.”
Other fall events for the network included a Career Services webinar about professional opportunities and a boxing class led by CJ Molina, assistant director of recreation programming.
Students have also traveled to Syracuse to visit the Salt City Market and Destiny USA mall. In the spring, the group will visit New York City to see a play, and there will be another barbershop event focused on wellness and health, as well as a leadership symposium with alumni.
“In the future, we would like to add a pre-orientation program, a service-learning trip during spring break, a senior recognition event, and scholarships for various needs,” Spencer says.