As our nation and our world prepares to enter into a new century, we are called to reflect upon the challenges we will face and whether we will be prepared to meet them. Among the most critical challenges that must be met is how we will respond individually and collectively to the dramatic demographic changes that population experts tell us will unfold over the next several decades. If present trends continue, sometime in the 21st century, some predict it as early as 2,030, the population of white Americans will fall below 50%. This challenge is of special concern in light of our nation's racial history. In reflecting upon our often troubled racial legacy, and our need as a nation to be forthright in embracing the challenges of a new century, President Clinton in launching his historic "One Nation" initiative on race made this prophetic and somber pronouncement: "We know what we will look like, but we do not know what we will be like". Given the sad and tragic examples of conflict around the globe-conflict rooted in the failure to constructively deal with diversity-the question of "what we will be like" may be the most urgent and compelling of the 21st century.

Bowling Green State University can be particularly well suited to prepare the nation to face the coming demographic changes and for helping to assure that we make a positive answer to the question of "what will we be like". We are a university; a place whose name incorporates the very notion of diversity. We are a place for learning; a place where our students and faculty will engage and dialogue about these 21st century challenges. A place where theoretical and abstract discussions about diversity can be matched with experiential learning. We can prepare our students best for this diversity challenge by creating a learning community that is itself diverse. If we are to create truly educated persons, we must provide a learning environment for students where their experiences challenge historic and prevailing gender and racial stereotypes. Stereotypes, which see women and racial minorities as less, valued, less competent, or less deserving. Stereotypes that may be reinforced by invisibility, or the insufficient representation of women or people of color in key positions throughout the University. Stereotypes that may be bolstered, albeit unconsciously, by the predominance of women and racial minorities in traditionally female and minority associated positions, which are perceived as having, lower institutional value and prestige.

There is much speculation about what the coming century's demographic changes will represent for our nation's social, political and educational institutions. It is clear that women will continue to increase their representation in significant position throughout our institutions and professions, and racial and ethnic minorities are projected to make dramatic numerical gains. Many businesses are adjusting to meet the needs and demands of these new and emerging markets, while lines are being drawn-literally and figuratively-to prepare for new political realities. Educational institutions, like BGSU, will be called upon to play a decisive role in preparing their students to make meaningful contributions in this new and diverse society. For our part, the University recognizes the tremendous challenges and opportunities posed by these dramatic demographic changes. Accordingly, in pursing our aspiration of becoming the premiere learning community in Ohio, and one of the best in the nation, we understand that this can only be achieved by service the diverse and multicultural communities of our state, our country, and our world. This will require a vision of the future regarding diversity that is both positive and proactive.

We are on the threshold of the 21st century. By nearly every measure it will usher in a century marked by dramatic demographic changes, especially in terms of growing numbers of racial and ethnic minorities. Indeed, it is predicted that this will be the century when whites will become the minority group. It will also be the century that women, who now fill higher and higher percentages of undergraduate classrooms, will gain parity with males in many professions and occupations. For many, these challenges and changes are portentous, and so they react with anxiety and fear For them, "What will we be like?" is a frightening question. With the implementation of this plan, Bowling Green State University has chosen not to hide from the future, but to meet the challenge of 21st century diversity determined that we will be a constructive force for change

M. Rose