Titch Madzima is creating a deeper understanding of other cultures through meaningful interactions with members of the Elon community.
Takudzwa “Titch” Madzima teaches exercise science with as much emphasis on strengthening deep connections as connective tissue. “I think most people would say I’m really interested in people and their stories,” says Titch, department chair and associate professor of exercise science. “I value making strong relationships, remembering people and keeping those relationships.”
Titch’s Zimbabwean roots shape much of his identity. When he moved to the United States for college, the transition was difficult, he says, not because of race, ethnicity or language, but because of how people relate in conversation. “When you meet someone there’s a typical pattern or flow of conversation; you say something and then I say something,” says Titch. “It was a little difficult to truly connect with people until I adjusted to that.”
After joining Elon University in 2015, Titch continued to make efforts to develop meaningful relationships. It was something he was able to do easily in his department with colleagues who care about each other and their students. He believes the connection he develops with students carries into their experience with each other. “You really see it in the senior classes, just how close they are and supportive of each other,” he says.
His contagious belief in deep connections has already spread throughout campus, uplifting the global perspective of inclusive excellence with students, faculty and staff. He is particularly interested in bringing Elon’s African community together, connecting African students and other students that have studied in the continent. He organized a Causal Coffee Conversations event for these students and African faculty and staff. He also partnered with the Oaks and Global neighborhoods to host a Global Connections dinner.
“We were able to get the only known Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States, which is in Durham, to cater the dinner and we just connected over conversation,” he says.
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Titch also aims to build relationships with faculty and staff from other countries. He and Sylvia Muñoz, assistant dean of students and director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, are co-chairing the Global Connections Employee Resource Group, which provides support and professional development to Elon’s international faculty and staff.
It all adds up to meaningful interactions, to creating a deeper understanding of other cultures while respecting everyone’s experiences by removing perceptions based on identities. It’s an approach that aligns with Elon’s inclusive culture.
“It’s important to build relationships with people to challenge our misconceptions of what a person might be thinking or what they value based on their identities,” Titch says. “We have such diverse perspectives, but you don’t really get to that without true connections.”
Titch is part of “Huemanity of People,” a series by the Division of Inclusive Excellence that celebrates the diversity of Elon’s community.