The Stampede

Issue date: 4/30/10 Section: Student Life

Media Credit: Milligan Staff

Nathaniel Moultrie has been serving Milligan with his cultural insight since April 2007. Now, just days away from commencement, Moultrie is preparing, like the majority of Milligan seniors, to depart from an institution he has grown to love.

On Wednesday, April 7, Moultrie announced his resignation as Milligan's Director of Diversity Services. After his obligations expire in June, he will be leaving to attend Princeton Theological Seminary, a step towards his long-time dream of becoming a full-time church minister.

During his three-year tenure at Milligan, Moultrie has been a rigorous advocate of multicultural education. He has developed the Betty Goah Scholars program and promoted cultural diversity on campus, encouraging students to become more cross-culturally competent.

"It has been my goal to culturally educate all students to be well-versed in various cultural experiences," Moultrie said.

Moultrie discussed the consequences that ensue from a lack of experience outside one's own heritage.

"It is essential to have experience with cultures outside of your own," said Moultrie. "You are at a disadvantage graduating from any institution lacking experience outside of your own race. You must intentionally place yourself in environments where your culture is the minority."

When explaining the necessity of communicating outside cultural comfort zones, Moultrie paralleled the ministry which Christians are called to perform with the ministry of Jesus.

"You cannot minister to anyone without relating to them," said Moultrie. "How did Jesus relate to people in the Gospels? He talked to them about fishing, about farming, because that was their culture."

While Moultrie's expertise in the realm of cultural affairs will be missed, he will also be missed for his compassion, his dedication and his constant endeavor to honor Christ.

Sadness, surprise and dismay are some of the student and faculty reactions to Moultrie's resignation.

"Nathaniel has been an undying encourager to me," said junior Betty Goah student Anna Goss. "Whether it be encouraging me to continue studying hard in my faith or any other realm of student life, Nathaniel has been a wonderful mentor, who I will miss very much."

Junior Taylor Duran concurred.

"If it hadn't been for Nathaniel and the Betty Goah program I probably wouldn't be at Milligan," Duran said. "He's been an asset to Milligan as a whole, and has really enhanced a program that was built from scratch only three years ago. I'm really sad to see him go."

After reflecting upon many fond memories at Milligan, Moultrie concluded that one simple act of kindness remains nearest to his heart.

"A month into working at Milligan, I walked out to my car, where I found a note on my windshield," Moultrie explained. "The physical plant manager left a note on my car that said 'you have a nail in your tire, bring it to the physical plant and we'll fix it up for you.' So I did, and they fixed it. I thought it was so awesome that I was surrounded by such caring individuals."

Whether as a mentor, a colleague, an educator or a friend, Nathaniel Moultrie's presence at Milligan will be greatly missed.

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