Walter Augustine

San Diego, CA
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About Walter Augustine

I have worked with colleagues in the development and implementation of curriculum and training for staff, faculty and students regarding racial and cultural differences and dynamics. Using a mixture of biblical and theological principles along with elements of intercultural development skills, I have been able to craft customized diversity training for Christian colleges which enable participants who are at many points on their intercultural development journey to enter conversations about racial diversity in a challenging but non-judgmental manner. My theological and ethical training have also enabled me to assist university leadership in crafting overall visions for racial diversity and diversity strategic plans at their institutions. These visions have been expressed through such tools as Theological Statements on Diversity, and videos filmed by university leadership which express why diversity is important to the university.

Areas of Expertise

Christian Colleges
Churches
Individual 1 on 1 coaching
Other Organizations

Services

References

Natalie Berger
Director of Housing and Residential Life - Biola University
Walter Augustine crafted a training session for my professional staff that helped us better understand our institution's position on Diversity and Inclusion. He equipped us to train student leaders well, and be a part of the institutional direction around D&I. The training was specifically tailored to our group needs, was well taught, and provided opportunity for us to have follow up in person and afterward. Walter then created a second level of training to help us be mindful of bias as we entered into our student leader hiring season. Walter not only crafted trainings specific to our staff needs, he also trained in a way that was accessible and engaging. His strength in training aligns with his deep care for others, and clear level of expertise in this subject matter.
Bethany Miller
Athletic Director - Biola University
Dr. Walter Augustine coached our NCAA Division II Athletics staff in multiple seminars related to cultural competence and humility, intercultural communication, and engaging in inclusive and empathic dialogue for the good of our staff and student-athletes. He is winsome, engaging, and able to relate to a broad audience. He is gifted in imparting his academic expertise into experientially wise and pragmatically insightful ways so that his impact in a large group setting is high. I strongly recommend him as a coach given his ability to offer kindness in the midst of challenging discussions and meet people where they are in a journey of growth in understanding who we are and how to build bridges in listening and caring for those around us in tangible ways.
Jonathan Seruyange
Associate Director, Financial Aid - Biola University
I have known and worked with Dr. Walter Augustine for over 10 years. As a former pastor and current diversity expert at our university, Walter has a deep-seated passion for issues of racial justice, as well as patient wisdom in coming alongside others as they consider these issues. He regularly leads educational university events focused on the understanding of historical and sociological factors that apply to a Christ-centered social justice mindset, and also practical applications for biblically grounded living within diverse communities. Dr. Augustine also leads a fellowship and mentorship program at our university for men of African and African American descent. Having lived in several diverse urban centers in the U.S., as well as with experience in an international context, Dr. Augustine brings his personal experience, keen academic knowledge, and a relatable, humble heart to bear in these important conversations that have a profound significance for followers of Christ.

Work Experience

Associate Vice President for Diversity and Belonging
Point Loma Nazarene University - San Diego
July 2022 - Current
Responsible for the development and implementation of a vision and framework for diversity and belonging at the university.
Director of Intercultural Education & Research
Biola University - La Mirada
January 2017 - June 2022
Responsible for researching, developing, implementing and assessing the university-wide strategic plan for diversity in collaboration with the Chief Diversity Officer and development of curriculum and training in Diversity and Inclusion for Biola employees.

Education

Doctorate - Theological Ethics
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary - Evanston, Illinois
September 2006 - Current
Masters - Urban Pastoral Ministries
Dallas Theological Seminary - Dallas, Texas
August 1994 - Current

Resources