Our Commitment
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing is committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion among our students, staff and faculty. As a community of scholars and lifelong learners, we value diversity in its many forms and believe that a diverse and inclusive community makes for a better working and learning environment. We are committed to achieving meaningful and intentional diversity and inclusion in nursing education, research, scholarship, practice and service. Our VCU School of Nursing Diversity Plan outlines are priorities in these areas.
Diversity is one of the five major themes embedded in our school’s five-year strategic plan – Beyond 125: Connecting Our Legacy to the Future. Each year we create a strategic action plan to guide our operations. Diversity, equity and inclusion is one of the three areas of focus in the FY 21-22 SON Strategic Action Plan .
Jean Giddens, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, dean and professor, shares a video message discussing how our school is working to help eliminate racism and ensure equity in our environment and the curriculum.
Ongoing Initiatives
- Following a variety of DEI events and actions held over the last couple of years to educate and engage faculty, staff and students, the school has established several key groups committed to carrying out this important work.
- A Diversity Council was created to develop strategies and events aligned with the school's strategic plan DEI goals. The following faculty and staff are members:
- Stephan Davis, D.N.P., M.H.S.A., FACHE, Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
- Ana Diallo, Ph.D., M.P.H., RN, BA, assistant professor
- Garvey Dobbins, M.H.A., M.S.N., B.A., RN, clinical instructor
- Alex Fisher, program promotion specialist
- Lyons Hardy, M.S., RN, P-MHNP, clinical assistant professor
- Nancy Husson, D.N.P., RN, CHSE, clinical assistant professor
- Jo Robins, Ph.D., RN, ANP-BC, AHN-C, associate professor
- Lisa Shah, Ph.D., RN, assistant professor
- Chris Schreiner, Ed.D., director of academic data analytics
- Mark Tanner, D.N.P., M.N.Sc., B.S.N., clinical associate professor; and
- Lindsay Tierney, Ed.D., academic coach.
- Stephan Davis, D.N.P., M.H.S.A., FACHE, Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
- A team of SON Recruitment Inclusive Champions helps ensure diversity in the school's recruitment of faculty and staff. Members include:
- Ingrid Pretzer-Aboff, Ph.D., RN, FGSA, associate professor and senior nurse reseacher;
- Lisa Brown, Ph.D., RN, associate professor;
- Nancy Jallo, Ph.D., RNC, FNP-BC, WHNP-BC, CNS, FAAN, associate professor; and
- Demmie Pennix, human resources administrator
- Two faculty and staff members serve as the school's "Stepping In" trainers. They include Dr. Nancy Husson, clinical assistane professor; and Dr. Chris Schreiner, director of academic data analytics.
- A Diversity Council was created to develop strategies and events aligned with the school's strategic plan DEI goals. The following faculty and staff are members:
Resources
VCU Health Sciences Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Framework
VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence
VCU Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
VCU Health Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Diversity and Inclusion
American Academy of Nursing Diversity and Inclusivity Statement
