As part of University of Memphis and Loewenberg College of Nursing’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the College launched a committee to address these topics within the college. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee was created to build, support, and sustain a culture that embraces diversity and fosters inclusion by promoting collaboration, openness, and equity for the entire LCON community.

“The enactment of our DEI Committee is a proactive step LCON has taken to eliminate status differences within our college. This committee is composed of faculty, staff, and students to ensure our commitment to diversity and inclusion aligns with both students and employees’ actual experience,” said Dr. Eric Bailey II, committee chair.

Dr. Bailey will be working with a committee composed of Dr. Marie Gill, associate professor; Dr. Brad Harrell, assistant Dean of Nursing at Lambuth and clinical professor; Dr. Tasma Robertson, clinical assistant professor; Fatina Masoud, N4-Memphis student; Jasmin Hicks, N4-Lambuth student; Monique Cage, VA Medical Center; and Robert Flores, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare. Dr. Lin Zhan, LCON dean, will serve as an ex officio member.

The committee’s four functions include:

1. Striving to develop and maintain a College community that is aware, appreciative, and respectful of people’s commonalities as well as differences by implementing initiatives and dialogue that support an inclusive educational environment to promote success of faculty, students, staff, and community partners.
2. Collecting and analyzing information on diversity and inclusion, faculty/staff welfare and/or morale, student policies and procedures, and environmental issues for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion of all members of the College.
3. Advising the Dean on diversity and inclusion issues pertaining to student, staff, and faculty recruitment and retention, strategies that support academic success of students from marginalized social identity groups, group-based inequalities and inequities, and support success of faculty and staff.
4. Working collaboratively with the College’s faculty organization, as well as campus and community partners, to make recommendations on diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices in areas such as curriculum and teaching, career readiness, policy and procedures, and workplace climate and culture.