By Rev. Dr. Edison O. Jackson

Rev. Dr. Jackson is president of Medgar Evers College and a member of the ministerial staff at Bridge Street A.M.E. Church, both in Brooklyn, NY.

In his Letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul writes, “ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God–what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:2, NRSV)

A quality education is a reflection of one’s quality of life. A quality education is a major indicator of the quality of life one can expect. Education lights the pathway to success. Education leads to adventure and discovery. Education ignites passion and pleasure. Education is your shield against injustice, your sword to cut to the truth. As President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once stated, “Education in the truest sense is our best protection against prejudice and panic-making fear.”

Without question education is the very breathe of life, and, is the last equalizer in our every changing society. In 2005, approximately 27.5% of Americans had obtained a college degree, while 85% earned a high school diploma. White and Asian Americans increasingly have widened the educational attainment gap with African and Hispanic Americans. By 1970, the percentage of white Americans graduating from college was twice that of African and Hispanic Americans, while Asian Americans were three times more likely to earn a college degree. A persistent trend, this educational attainment divide is ever-widening. Despite increases in African and Hispanic undergraduate enrollment and graduation rates nationwide, these communities are still faced with the reality that only approximately 25% of college-aged individuals attend a college or university. This continued underrepresentation of persons of color forces us to reconsider the role of urban higher education.

As a result of the complexity of issues faced by our community on a local, state, and national level, coupled with the unique situation that a majority of our students face daily, Medgar Evers College has accepted the responsibility of producing graduates who are “change agents.”

What does “change agent” mean for us? By definition a “change agent” is a leader–one who works with others to make a difference for the benefit of the common good. As President, I strive to ensure that Leadership Development and Community Service anchor our college’s mission. This vision of greatness has evolved and is now focused on one goal, ensuring that each and every student who attends and graduates from Medgar Evers College becomes a leader in their respective community and pursues some form of community service using the expertise, tools, skills, competencies, and values that have been developed in their respective educational programs, working to accomplish change that benefits the community. In this way education is a process that facilitates and ensures the salvation of the community.

The social, political and economic crises that we face are daunting; yet, every vicissitude provides an opportunity to transform a life. Indeed, colleges, churches, and minority-owned businesses are amongst the few anchors that remain in our communities. I do not know what would have happened to thousands of families were it not for these institutions. To that end, the mission and role of higher education in our community is special and I dare say – sacred.

In short, education is the process Apostle Paul defines as “the renewing of the mind.” Furthermore, education is the key to salvation. Restated, there can be no salvation without education. It is, then that the role of higher education, specifically in our urban context, emerges as this century’s most critical issue. How else will our future leaders be prepared? How else will our future leaders be transformed from their current state as gang members, drug dealers and social deviants? Education is the foundation from which all quality theological reflection aimed at transforming our community must emanate. If we are not concerned about ensuring that our children have access to a quality education, then we are not serious about their salvation. It has been the cultural legacy of African and Latino American communities to link their educational success to their social and salvific well being. I stand firmly in this tradition, and call you to join Medgar Evers College in a movement to renew the collective mind of our community.