The Office of Multicultural Development (OMD) began at Wheaton College during the 1970s. Since then, the department has undergone multiple transitions, including several name changes—Office of Minority Affairs, Office of Minority Student Development, and Office of Multicultural Student Development. Throughout these changes, the OMD has consistently served as a home for students of color, a safe space for dialogue, and a campus-wide resource promoting Christ-centered diversity and Christian unity that celebrates ethnic and cultural differences.
OMD Physical Space: A Place of Hospitality and Belonging
In 2013, the OMD moved into a newly designated space on the lower level of the Beamer Center. This welcoming environment offers students a place to study, relax, and engage in meaningful conversation over snacks or coffee. It serves as a space for reflecting on identity, current events, and shared experiences related to race, ethnicity, and culture. The OMD fosters interaction among students of diverse backgrounds who seek to understand what it means to live as the people of God.
Legacy of Rodney Sisco and Ongoing Community Engagement
After the passing of long-time Director Rodney Sisco in 2019, the OMD continues to thrive as a central gathering place for Wheaton’s multiracial community. Student-led groups and programming—including 1-2-1, Gospel Choir, Koinonia, Shalom, Summit Scholars, Unidad, and the William Osborne Society—remain vital to the office’s mission. Events like Ignite, Synergy, and seasonal banquets foster connection and celebration. Partnerships with departments such as Admissions, Athletics, ISP, the Chaplain’s Office, and others have expanded, supporting cross-campus collaboration on issues of diversity and equity.
Educational Resources and the OMD Common Curriculum
In 2019, the OMD introduced the “Common Curriculum” to promote a biblical vision of Kingdom Diversity. This curriculum covers topics such as faith and race, U.S. race relations history, racial identity development, and antiracism. It serves both internal and external audiences, supporting educational goals and aligning with Wheaton’s Christ-Centered Statement of Diversity.
OMD Facilities: Reflecting Mission and Values
The OMD’s physical environment continues to grow as a dynamic reflection of its mission. Features include:
- A multipurpose space with flexible study tables and Mac computers
- A large-screen TV for events and news viewing
- The Rodney Sisco Multicultural Resources Library (bookshelves, fireplace, aquarium)
- A decompression area with massage chairs and memorial art
- A Graduate Assistant office
- The Hannay Conference Room with modular desks, chairs, and mobile whiteboards for collaboration
OMD Mission: Supporting Racial Identity and Kingdom Justice
All aspects of the OMD—from its history and programming to its physical layout—are focused on nurturing a deep, lived understanding of the imago Dei. The office equips students to embrace their racial and intersectional identities while pursuing racial justice as followers of Christ.