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College of Nursing College of Nursing

Diversity, equity and inclusion

The College of Nursing values all people and understands that their unique experiences, talents and perspectives make us a stronger organization and better people. We are dedicated to our mission and values, which emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion. We reaffirm the college's long-standing commitment to address racial injustice and health disparities and to promote health equity. We are grounded in the rich history of those who came before us, including the first dean of the college, Katharine Faville who, in 1945, required that any health care agency who desired a clinical affiliation with the College of Nursing was required to accept all students, at a time when some agencies attempted to deny access for Black students.

The college and, indeed, the nursing profession must continue to address racism and inequity in all areas of society, well beyond the clinical setting. We must demonstrate every day our deep and continued commitment to equitable treatment for all. 

Beyond our statements, our commitment must be evidenced in ongoing and sustained action. Let us all heed the urgent call for change in how we treat one another, continue to work to recognize and eliminate bias, and thereby improve the health and well-being of our entire community. There are many ways we are active in this call, including the following WSU College of Nursing diversity initiatives:

  • Nursing faculty lead the way with multiple federal grants awarded to increase student diversity and support student success.
  • Faculty conduct research and scholarship designed to reduce health disparities and to increase access to physical and mental health care for people from underserved Detroit communities.
  • The college, its faculty and students were instrumental in opening of Taylor Street Clinic in the Virginia Park community of Detroit in 2020 and continue to fulfill its purpose in meeting a wide range of health needs in this medically underserved community.
  • The college is home to a chapter of Chi Eta Phi, a professional nursing organization representing many cultures and diverse ethnic backgrounds.
  • The implementation of faculty-led mentoring programs to introduce K-12 students from underserved schools to the nursing profession.
  • The college has its own Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
  • The college recently implemented a holistic admissions policy across all programs.

Ongoing nursing education grants to support a diverse workforce

College of Nursing Faculty Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Duties

  • In conjunction with the Office of the Dean, the Committee will recommend means for recruiting and retaining a culturally diverse faculty consistent with the mission of the University.
  • In conjunction with the Office of Student Affairs, the committee will develop and explore methods for the recruitment and retention of a culturally diverse student body.
  • Provide opportunities to enhance sensitivity to and understanding of diversity issues among faculty and students.
  • In conjunction with the Curriculum Committee, the committee will make recommendations pertaining to multicultural, race, and gender content and teaching methods within the curriculum.
  • Support the work of groups and university committees that address issues of diversity (e.g., those related to cultural, race and gender relation issues).

2021-22 Committee members

Online resources