Culture and Belonging

Today we’re talking to Dr. Javier Boyas, director of the TROY School of Social Work and Human Services. Together, we talk about how cultural understanding is not a destination but rather something dynamic and constantly evolving.

We are big believers in the power of study abroad trips. New sights, new sounds, new people—it all makes for a richer experience that goes beyond what students could learn from just reading about a new place. This month we’ve got another one of Rich’s students on to talk about her recent trip to Puerto Rico. Camille Bowers is a political science student here at Troy University. We'll hear what she learned in Puerto Rico and how she became a snowboarder despite living in Alabama.

To err is human. But being open about our mistakes in the workplace takes a culture of communication and trust. If you've ever been the new guy or gal in the office, you know it can take time to build that trust. Both of our guests today have changed departments at Troy University and share their experiences building a culture of openness.

Many people can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on 9/11. That makes sense. It was a traumatic and unforgettable event that changed the course of history. But we are rapidly moving into a world where more and more adults have no memory of 9/11 because they were either too young when it happened or weren’t born yet. It’s been 24 years since September 11, 2001. And it’s difficult to explain to people who weren’t there just how much that day changed the culture of our institutions and our nation. Our guest today is here to offer his memories and reflections on 9/11. Dr. Duane Gunn is a lecturer and the Director of Operations for the Leadership Institute at Troy University. He served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force and was in the Pentagon when it was struck 24 years ago today.

We often think of culture as something that develops naturally, but, in an institutional setting, building the right culture takes a concerted effort. Dr. Laura Dove is the assistant dean at the Sorrell College of Business here at Troy University. She’s also the director of the Sorrell 360 Center, which prepares students for success in business and life. She’ll tell us how she promotes cultural competence in her students and builds an institutional culture of open communication.

Like it or not, the AI revolution is upon us. College students the world over are using generative AI and large language models like ChatGPT to do everything from helping with brainstorming and research to actually writing their papers for them. But there are responsible ways to use this new technology. Dr. Scott Nokes is a professor of English at Troy University and the director of Troy University’s AI Forward Initiative. He’ll tell us how he’s teaching students to use AI ethically and effectively.

Before he was Director of Graduate and Specialized Programs at Troy University, Jahaziel Martinez was an ESL teacher, and he says that experience has helped him relate to people from all backgrounds. Follow us on Bluesky: @belongingpod.bsky.social

Alex Nesmith is political science major at Troy University. She'll be graduating later this month with a minor that we designed called intercultural competence. Alex shares what she's learned in the program and her experiences growing up bilingual.

We're celebrating two years of Culture and Belonging with a conversation with our producer, Austin Toy. He'll give his definitions of culture and belonging and his thoughts on how infrastructure affects culture in small town America. Follow us on Bluesky: @belongingpod.bsky.social

Were you a "gifted" kid, growing up? It's a label applied to students who show a higher aptitude in one or more areas. But, as our guest Dr. Shirley Farrell tells us, being gifted is not a golden ticket to success, and many misconceptions exist about what gifted students need for success in the classroom and later in life. Follow us on Bluesky: @belongingpod.bsky.social

In this episode, we talk to Troy University student Kelsey Rumler about her trip to Puerto Rico and Peru and her involvement with the Global Scholars Program. We spoke to Kelsey before and after her trip to gauge how her experiences might change her perspective. Follow us on Bluesky: @belongingpod.bsky.social

December of 2025 will mark 70 years since Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus. On this episode, we're talking to Donna Beisel, Director of Museum Operations at the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery. We'll talk about what has changed in the 70 years since the Montgomery bus boycott and the obstacles that still remain. Follow us on Bluesky: @belongingpod.bsky.social

In this episode Kyle Gassiott, Director of Radio at Troy Public Radio, shares what he’s learned in his 15 years as a radio, print, and television journalist about crafting a story that connects with listeners. We also talk about how our experiences and the stories we tell contribute to culture.

Maria Frigge, Dean of International Student Services at Troy University, tells us how faculty, staff, and students can better accommodate the needs of international students. She also shares her own experiences coming to the U.S. as an international student from Sweden.

Historian and archivist Dr. Marty Olliff is the Director of the Wiregrass Archives at Troy University’s Dothan Campus. Like other archivists, he seeks to identify, preserve, and make available the records of the local community. Those records inform community formation and preserve the corporate or institutional memory that typically walks out the door when an archivist is missing. We learn a great deal about how to proceed in the present and future based on our past experiences. We are tied to our communities because we share a worldview, but perhaps the healthiest communities have permeable boundaries that allow membership to change as needed.

Political Science major Jud Keel, who participated in a study abroad trip to Puerto Rico this past summer, joined us to talk about how he engaged in research while on his trip. From the preparation before the trip to what he learned during the project, and what he is still learning while working to complete it, he shares his thoughts with us about this experience. Discussions with a professor during an undergraduate class for his major sparked Jud’s interest in studying Puerto Rico’s politics, but as he explains, learning is certainly not limited to the classroom. Jud’s experience allowed him to interview several locals during his visit, make observations about Puerto Rican perspectives, and sample authentic food, music, art, and people's perspectives on local politics. One thing that is clear, maintaining the status quo does not lead to happiness for everyone.

The really successful college or university is organic and willing to evolve and change. Embracing change is vital to progress, so cultivating the ability to change is essential. Drs. Hal Fulmer and Christina Martin have survived their fair share of organizational change. Each has filled multiple roles in various departments just at Troy University, not to mention their individual experiences at previous institutions. They speak candidly about navigating the inevitable evolution of systems and technology while emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining relationships with others. If our differences are what lead to greater learning and understanding, then finding a productive pathway through conflict is invaluable. Constructive conflict leads us forward.

"Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act.” Troy University’s motto has stood the test of time because it gets to the core of what it means to be human. We are complex beings, and we all have stories and experiences worth sharing. Tropolitan student newspaper editorial staff members Emily Mosier (editor-in-chief) and Kris Harrell (Trojan living editor) shared their opinions with us on recent state legislation concerning funding for diversity initiatives in higher education and other state agencies. Resources that help students feel safe and seen are valuable and accessible across college and university campuses even when they are not housed in a one-stop-shop. We can all do our part to help others belong.

TROY Art and Design professor Ed Noriega talks about how it felt to move into south Alabama as an “outsider” from southern California via NYC. Belonging for him has been a lifelong struggle, as he has navigated various professional settings with different cultural mixes and strived to set a high bar for himself and his students. A truly eclectic and inspirational creative with big plans for retirement on and around his peafowl farm, Ed advocates play as he reflects candidly on lessons he has learned and challenges he has overcome.

Ray White is the Vice Chancellor of Troy University’s Montgomery Campus, but 25 years ago, in a previous role at the University, he set out to establish the Rosa Parks Museum on the site of her 1955 arrest. He shares candid reflections on his work to build trust as he worked with Mrs. Parks and her family, collected materials, and consulted with Civil Rights experts to build the interpretive museum and children’s wing as it exists today. Although change may take generations, we can treat others well and genuinely care about their stories. Even our seemingly small decisions today direct our future.