Dr. Barnes will begin by briefly differentiating between diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging given recent efforts to misrepresent the terms. Dr. Barnes will define inclusion while describing its evolution from exclusion (Re-link, 2024). Dr. Barnes will stress the importance of belonging using the scripture reading and Dr. john a. powell’s (2024) concept of moving from “breaking to bridging” as a pathway to creating a fair, equitable, and humane community.

Keith R. Barnes, Ed.D., Biography
Keith started his appointment as the inaugural Vice President of Equity and Inclusion with Rock Valley College in June 2021. He served as the Executive Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, CO, from August 2016 to June 2021. Keith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational/Corporate Communications, two Master of Science in Education degrees in Adult and Continuing Education and Instructional Technology, and a Doctor of Education degree in Community College Leadership at Northern Illinois University. He founded Joshua Bee, LLC Consulting based in Denver, CO, to provide training, consulting, and lectures/presentations on various topics about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Joshua Bee was named after his son, Joshua Barnes, who passed away on October 24, 2011, after a premature birth. Keith is married to Dr. Teresa Barnes, and they reside in Boone County, Illinois, with their daughter, India Barnes.