DIVERSITY & INCLUSION (D&I)

Climate, Well-being, & Inclusion

Programming

• Basic mediation course (182 administrators, faculty, & staff)

• Aggie Ally (60+ faculty and staff)

• Question, Persuade, & Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention training for faculty, staff, and students

• Every second-year DVM student gets QPR trained

• House Officer Wellness Committee

• VMTH Culture Keepers

• Dare to Lead

• Stress Reduction & Management

• Community service projects

• REACH Pet Wellness Fair

• Roach Family Student Community Outreach Surgical Program

• College Diversity Committee (C-IDEA)

• Operation Border Health

• FAVE (Future Aggie Veterinary Experience: new in FY22)

• Graduate Student White Coat and Oath Ceremony

Inclusive Facilities

• 28 gender neutral bathrooms

• Four lactation rooms

• VBEC Exercise Room

Student Programs

DVM Students

• 4 MOA Texas A&M System partnerships

• 2+2 DVM program at VERO

• Food Animal Track developed to serve rural Texas communities

• Diversity scholarships

Graduate students

• Graduate Diversity Fellows

• Diversity PhD Scholarships

• Graduate program extends communication and conflict management trainings

• New Graduate Program at VERO

BIMS undergraduate students

• 17 BIMS 2+2 community college programs

• New BIMS degree in McAllen and first-generation students

• High number of URM students

Diversity is a cornerstone value of the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), an award-winning school, that both leads and collaborates in regards to climate, equity, and inclusion. A diverse and inclusive environment is essential for preparing veterinary leaders with an intentional, open, and global perspective. The VMBS affirms diversity both broadly and specifically, and our community aims to be representative of our ever-changing state and nation. In order to maintain and grow our commitment, the VMBS has developed a Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Plan.

The VMBS received 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, one of only two veterinary programs to receive the award for six consecutive years. This award is a national honor recognizing U.S. health profession schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, assessed by national non-veterinary peers.

Other notable highlights include VMBS Excellence in D&I faculty and staff awards, national leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives, publication of a monthly D&I Digest, and a presentation given at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) 2022 Catalyze conference in Washington, D.C., on diversity and inclusion issues in the VMBS. In addition, the Committee for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accountability (C-IDEA) hosted and co-hosted a number of events for the school's faculty, staff, and students, including Welcome Week activities; Mental Health Awareness Month activities; Spread the Love; Coffee, Culture & Conversation; and many others.