The award is the only one of its kind in the nation. It honors colleges, universities, or health profession schools for their outstanding commitment to making diversity and inclusion a top priority across their campuses. The School of Nursing will be featured, along with 70 other recipients, in the November/December issue of the magazine.
“We are honored that peers recognize us for living up to our DEI commitment and living up to standards of excellence we all share,” saidPiri Ackerman-Barger, the school’s associate dean for student affairs and health equity, diversity and inclusion. “This award serves as a quality assurance measure for us, reaffirming how we advance a climate that fosters inclusion excellence and putting in place supportive resources for our students and faculty to ensure an environment where all can thrive."
School of Nursing faculty recognize diverse learning styles and work closely with students to create personalized learning plans.
Diversity in programs and people
The School of Nursing believes in equity for all and strives to make the school a powerful example of societal change. Compassion and humility fuel innovation in education and research that are connected to the communities served. From leadingAnti-Racism and Cultural Humility Trainingto contributing to thenational discussion of racismin nursing, the team commits to regular reflection on how seriously and substantively they enact DEI principles to turn the tide in our national discourse on race, equity and justice.
“The award application process was comprehensive and allowed us to reflect upon the DEI metrics and see if we reached our goals,” said Victoria Ngo, the school’s program director for health equity, diversity and inclusion.
The school’seducational programsand student recruitment rise above national norms for student diversity. Among the students who entered this year’s classes of physician assistant, entry-level nursing, family nurse practitioner and doctor of philosophy:
32% are from underrepresented populations
55% are the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree
42% are the first in their family to attend college
“We recognize that in order to prepare providers and clinicians that mirror the populations we serve, we must increase diversity of backgrounds and experiences,” saidDean Stephen Cavanagh. “These students enhance classroom discussion, improve student understanding of different cultures and promote health equity through future practitioners.”
The School of Nursing’s educational programs and student recruitment rise above national norms for student diversity.
Acknowledging that students have diverse learning styles, ways of processing information, and methods of engaging with course material, the School of Nursing faculty and programs work closely with students to create personalized learning plans. Additionally, alumni are invited to lead study groups, which fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment
Directors of the School of Nursing’s degree programsin this videodiscuss how diversity is woven within the fabric of the school’s programs.
