Who
Is Ida B. Wells?
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One of Mary Baldwin’s Leadership Gateways for entering students, Ida B. Wells is a unique academic and residential program designed to address the transitional needs of first-year African-American students. Participants live in a culturally diverse freshman residence hall and are enrolled in a designated section of MBC101, an orientation course, which offers students tools for succeeding in college, cultural exploration, and leadership development. Additionally, students enroll in a general education course taught by their advisor. Students also engage in co-curricular programming focused on civic engagement, leadership, and the celebration of diversity.
The success of the Ida B. Wells is due in part to the mentoring that takes pace on all sides. Faculty, staff, residence life staff, peer and alumnae mentors are all committed to helping each first year student become her best self.
Apply online OR download and print the Ida
B. Wells Application (PDF)
Get the latest information from the Ida B. Wells Newsletter! (PDF)
The Ida B. Wells Institute is an orientation program that is designed to introduce IBW students and parents to the expectations of the IBW Learning Living Community and Gateway. It is facilitated by student leaders and the IBW Gateway staff and faculty. During the Institute time will be allotted for academic advisement; discussion of required summer reading; team building programming; study skills assessment and special informational sessions for parents and students.
Dr. Amy Tillerson-Brown is an associate professor of History. She serves as the director for the African American Studies minor. Dr. Tillerson Brown will teach History 264: The African Diaspora and team teach MBC 101.
Dr. Edward A. Scott is an associate professor of Philosophy and member of the teaching faculty for the African American studies minor. Dr. Scott is an extraordinary classroom teacher. Dr. Scott will teach Philosophy 232: African American Thought and team teach MBC 101.
Rev. Cornett-Scott is the associate vice president for student affairs and inclusive excellence and has served as the director/ dean of African-American and Multicultural Affairs for 16 years demonstrating an expertise in student retention, student development, and student engagement. Rev. Cornett-Scott is a member of the religion faculty specializing in African and African-American Religion. Rev. Scott will teach Philosophy 140: Community and Service Learning and team teach MBC 101.
During the first semester, participants will be enrolled in a designated section of MBC 101 and one of three general education courses taught by their academic advisor. Additionally, students will be enrolled in INT 177: Legacy and Tradition during term four which offers students tools for college success, cultural exploration, self-discovery, civic engagement, wellness, and leadership development. The Program Curriculum will embrace the college wide theme: Wisdom.
The Ida B. Wells News is a newsletter that gives valuable information about the accomplishments and activities that take place within the Ida B. Wells Living learning Community. This online newsletter is sent to all Ida B. Wells Living Learning Community members past and present, parents of current residential members and sista friends.
The Ida B. Wells Society was created to recognize the scholarly achievement of African-American students. Members of the Ida B. Wells Living Learning Community who achieve a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and who participate in community service and fully participate in the activities of the living learning community will be inducted into the society. Honorary members are inducted each fall and during Kwanzaa from alumni who have contributed to the community and who value academic achievement.
The Class Quilt Project is a part of the Ida B. Wells Program curriculum. Class participants create an identity quilt square. The project is intended to get students thinking and talking about their identity — who they are and who they hope to be. The quilt is pieced together with a class theme and it is presented at their Kwanzaa celebration. The quilts are monuments for student success. When they graduate, the quilt becomes a backdrop for the annual Ajani celebration.
