Rosalind Jackson Donald, administrative specialist for the Office of Faculty Affairs in the College of Medicine, spoke highly of the Office of Equity and Diversity’s Diversity Certificate Program.
“Every administrator, student, and staff member at UTHSC will reap the benefits from the Diversity Certificate Program,” she said. “UTHSC is setting the bar high, exceeding the standard by embracing inclusion and diversity, addressing issues that reflect and have an impact on our academic and employment community.”
On May 7, Donald and 25 other UTHSC professionals in the spring 2018 class graduated from the program during a closing ceremony held in Hamilton Eye Institute’s Freeman Auditorium.
Started in fall 2017, this initiative is a training opportunity for faculty and staff in alignment with the chancellor’s strategic plan for diversity. The program aims to develop a more knowledgeable workforce by enhancing staff competencies and capacity relevant to diversity and inclusion, in order to leverage these toward achieving and sustaining campuswide excellence.
The program demonstrates that embracing diversity and inclusion can bring a broader range of perspectives and backgrounds into UTHSC and lead to more effective decision-making. Participants gain a sound understanding of the latest research and best practices in the fields of cross-cultural competency and diversity.
“Completion of the DCP Certificate is just one way our faculty and staff leaders can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the metaphoric phrase, “Diversity is the mix. and inclusion is making the mix work,’ ” said Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP, assistant vice chancellor for Equity and Diversity and Title IX Coordinator. “We understand and value that training, development, and education are essential elements to preparing management and employees for a diverse and inclusive workplace like UTHSC.” The course combines lectures and interactive classroom activities.
The spring 2018 graduates of the Diversity Certificate Program are: Charmagyne Akram, CPS, (College of Medicine); Chandra Alston, EdD, MBA, (Human Resources); Sally Badoud, MBA, (Communications and Marketing); Simone Callender (Finance and Operations); Scott Campbell (Facilities Administration); Michelle Clayton, MPH, (Office of Research); Angela Finerson, PharmD, MBA, (College of Pharmacy); Terri Fought (Health Informatics and Information Management); Katherine Gilland (Communications and Marketing); Michael Herr, PhD, (College of Medicine); Rosalind Jackson Donald (College of Medicine); Rodney Johnson (Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities); Paul Koltnow, MS, MSPAS, PA-C, (Department of Physician Assistant Studies); Mary Christine Madeksho (Information Technology Services); Kimberlee Norwood, MA, (College of Medicine); Libby Pelham (Information Technology); Jean Perdicaris (Student Affairs and Enrollment Services); Makeda Porter, MSEd, (College of Medicine); Cierra Richmond (Human Resources); Jenness Roth, MEd, (Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities); Sean Scott (College of Pharmacy); Marcia Sharp (Health Informatics and Information Management); Lyniel Smith, MBA (College of Nursing); Christina Spivey, PhD, LMSW, (College of Pharmacy); Bradley Terhune (Information Technology Services); and Tinieka Thrailkill, MA, (Office of Research).
The next course will take place in fall 2018. Applications will be available soon.