barnesmuseumValley City (CSi)  The Barnes County Historical Society Lecture Series Season 16 Presents:  Dr. Nadja Johnson (VCSU) “Living in a Global World: Engaging with Change and Diversity” 7:30PM Thursday June 19th at the Barnes County Museum.  This is also the Society’s annual meeting at 7PM.

This interactive and engaging presentation will address issues and initiatives related to the changing demographics of the local community, the state and the country. Specifically the presentation will focus on the notion of “Cultural Pluralism” and the ways in which our community benefits and thrives by having access to a variety of voices, experiences and backgrounds. In doing so the discussion will address understandings of assimilation, tolerance and acceptance. This discussion is meant to inspire positive action for creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all community residents as well as raise awareness and encourage further dialogue on the topic.

Dr. Nadja Johnson is the Retention/Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at Valley City State University. She holds a B.A. degree in psychology from Fisk University an M.A. degree in clinical psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. in comparative studies from Florida Atlantic University. Her doctoral research was a qualitative analysis of the socio-political organization of migrant communities in their country of settlement. Some of her work has been published in the Journal of International and Global Studies. Dr. Johnson worked as a community mental health therapist before launching her career in higher education. She has served in various roles at universities in Florida including appointment as adjunct professor of psychology and sociology, programs and activities coordinator in the international student office and assistant director of student government multicultural programming.

True to her adventurous spirit, Dr. Johnson decided it was time for a new life challenge when she accepted the position at Valley City State University, although she readily admits that adjusting from Florida warmth to North Dakota cold was no easy feat. In addition to her role in student affairs, Dr. Johnson is active in the local community in Valley City, Working with various organizations while bringing voice to issues of diversity and inclusion.

The public is cordially invited

All Lectures are at the Barnes County Historical Society Museum and held in conjunction with Valley City State University.  They are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Wes Anderson at 701-845-0966