Dr. Nadine Haley, assistant professor of education at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minn., urged members of the Elon community during an address Wednesday, Jan. 14 to acquire knowledge and never give up their dreams. Details...
Haley delivered Elon’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative address in Whitley Auditorium. In her address, Haley reaffirmed her belief that all people have similarities.
“I firmly believe we possess similarities and principles for greatness,” Haley said. “When we build on strength, it is easy to forge ahead together.”
Haley, an African American professor at a predominantly white university, teaches courses in multicultural education, literacy in schools and introduction to urban education.
She encouraged students to take time to think about their core values and to develop a hunger for knowledge. She also told students to emulate the traits of the leaders in their communities.
“Listen to and model yourself after the experienced person who crosses your path,” Haley said. “No matter what you achieve, someone helps you. Model yourself after a leader.”
Developing integrity and self-confidence, Haley said, would help students overcome many of life’s obstacles. “Never, ever give up your dreams,” she said.
Haley holds bachelor’s degrees from Langston (Okla.) University and Columbia (Ill.) College, a master’s degree from the University of Tulsa and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Elon President Leo M. Lambert offered a welcome on behalf of the university community.
“It is fitting,” Lambert said, “during this time of war and international tension, that we remember the second American and youngest man to win the Nobel Peace Prize, who said in his 1964 acceptance speech, ‘I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.’ The responsibility is ours to make his dreams of peace and brotherhood come true.”
The program featured several selections by the Elon University Gospel Choir and an invocation by chaplain Richard McBride. Student Government Association President Mark Gustafson introduced Staley before her address.