Article Detail

UE Trustee Reverend Larry Rascoe Receives Mayor's Celebration of Diversity Award

Posted: Wednesday, November 6, 2019

UE Trustee and Joshua Academy founder Rev. Larry A. Rascoe was awarded the Willie Effie Thomas Development Award at the 2019 Mayor's Celebration of Diversity Awards last week.

Rascoe was awarded the Willie Effie Thomas Development Award. This award goes to an individual who has implemented a successful program that includes a diversity of people in the community, effective diversity training programs, or special programs that celebrate diversity.

Rascoe says he was given a vision by God to create an educational institution that recognizes all children as born achievers no matter where they come from or what they look like.

Founded in 1998 by Rascoe, Joshua Academy started as a private faith-based school with 65 students. Today, the school is comprised of three not-for profit entities: a private faith-based preschool, a public K-6 charter school, and a 7th and 8th public charter school-teaching farm, with a total enrollment of 335 students. Stemming from the outcome of a commissioned study, the goal of the establishment is to provide a creative, quality educational model that is sensitive to the unique needs of students deemed to be “at-risk” residing in the central city of Evansville, Indiana. Inspired by Marva Collins’ methodology, the educational philosophy of Joshua Academy Preschool is based on the assumption that every child can learn if given high expectations and the tools needed to be successful.

"We are so delighted that Rev. Roscoe is the recipient of the Willie Effie Thomas Development Award," said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "His collaborative spirit and dedication to our community is second to none."

Rascoe has a long history with the University of Evansville through his service on the UE Board of Trustees. Most recently, he and Joshua Academy Principal Arveneda McDonald partnered with the UE Music Department to highlight the arts and reestablish a vibrant music program at Joshua Academy.

Share this article:

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon Email Icon Google Icon