Episode 5: Inclusive Excellence & Belonging

In this episode of Pelicans in a Pod, hosts Jake and Liz interview Dr. Roland Davis, Director of Loomis Chaffee's Center for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging. He discusses the meaning of inclusive excellence as a framework that embeds inclusivity and belonging into every aspect of the school experience, from prospective students to alumni. The conversation covers how Loomis measures belonging through surveys, revealing that the overwhelming majority of students feel they belong at the school. Dr. Davis describes both large-scale programmatic initiatives like the revamped tenth-grade seminar and the Illuminators Gathering conference, as well as direct student support through programs like SOAR and affinity groups. He emphasizes Loomis' strengths in having institutional support from leadership and the board, while acknowledging that this work is ongoing as the social landscape continues to evolve. The episode concludes with Dr. Davis encouraging future students to be themselves, knowing that Loomis will support and embrace them for who they are.