The Coalition for Transformational Education (CTE) is delighted to welcome Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) as its newest member, furthering our shared mission to create inclusive, learner-centered environments that prioritize student belonging, agency, and purpose.

Ohio Wesleyan joins the Coalition through the expansion of its Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) programming, which underscores the university’s commitment to civil discourse, inclusivity, and transformational learning experiences. The CDI’s mission—to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue—complements the Coalition’s vision to prepare students for lives of well-being, fulfilling relationships, and meaningful work. Ohio Wesleyan is planning to broaden the implementation of the CDI programs, integrating CDI principles into courses and general education seminars, and integrate the program into the value proposition of OWU, creating a steering committee to ensure CDI principles are woven into the fabric of campus initiatives, developing micro-credentials for students and staff to recognize expertise in constructive dialogue and inclusive teaching, and forming faculty learning communities to enhance the application of CDI strategies and advance inclusive pedagogy.

“OWU understands how important belonging is to our students’ ability to flourish and graduate. We have developed innovative programs to help all students feel like they belong and increase their agency and purpose in life,” Ohio Wesleyan President Matt vandenBerg said. “Our partnership with Constructive Dialogue Institute significantly extends our work on student belonging, agency, and purpose in equipping our community to engage in civil discourse.”

By incorporating CDI’s tools and frameworks into its academic and co-curricular programming, Ohio Wesleyan is empowering students to navigate complex challenges while fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion.

“Ohio Wesleyan University is an exceptional partner in our mission to inspire lifelong well-being and purpose in higher education,” said Keith Buffinton, Executive Director of the Coalition for Transformational Education. “Their innovative work with the Constructive Dialogue Institute stands as an important model for integrating civil discourse into campus life, advancing both personal growth and societal impact.”

About the Coalition for Transformational Education

The Coalition for Transformational Education is a network of higher education leaders dedicated to evidence-based, learner-centered education that lays the foundation for lifelong well-being and engagement. Through collaboration, assessment, and sharing best practices, the Coalition inspires institutions to prioritize identity, belonging, agency, and purpose in all aspects of the student experience. For more information about the Coalition for Transformational Education, visit thecte.org.

About Ohio Wesleyan University

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives” and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “Best Colleges” lists. To learn more about Ohio Wesleyan University’s initiatives, visit owu.edu.