NCORE began in 1988 in Norman, Oklahoma, as a response to pressing racial challenges at the University of Oklahoma. With 600 participants, the inaugural event, organized by the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies, laid the groundwork for the premier national forum for exploring issues of human difference, access, and opportunity in academic environments.
Over the years, NCORE has expanded its reach and influence, moving to cities across the United States, reflecting its commitment to accessibility and impact. The conference has been held in diverse regions:
- Southwest and West: Santa Fe, San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego.
- South and Southeast: New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami Beach, Orlando, and Memphis.
- Midwest and Central: Chicago, Indianapolis, and Denver.
- Northeast and East Coast: New York City, Washington, D.C., and National Harbor.
- Virtual: Hosted online during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
NCORE’s sustained growth is a testament to its vital role in fostering dialogue and systemic change. From its early days in Oklahoma to its anticipated 2025 conference in New York City, with an expected 6,000 participants, NCORE continues to be a transformative force in higher education, addressing the evolving complexities of human difference and its impact on access and opportunity.