Feature Story – DEI Update

UWS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update

Bola Majekobaje, director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), started at UWS in April 2021. Since her hire, she has been working diligently to build university programming and DEI efforts.

The UWS DEI committee is making great strides under her leadership toward creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable UWS institution.

The DEI committee became an official UWS committee this year. Several new and returning members were also welcomed. The current roster includes Bola Majekobaje (chair), Alisa Fairweather, Dr. Dana Sims, Elena Howells, Erin Cochran, Dr. Kara Burnham, Laura Burbano-Bayuelo, Dr. Rosalia Messina, Dr. Chris Browne, Dr. Patrick Davis, Dr. Peter Vuky and Solome Mekbib.

Subgroups of this committee have been busy working on four key actions from the DEI action plan. This includes finalizing the campus equity statement, creating shared inclusive language for the campus community, exploring the opportunity to create a DEI syllabus statement used across the university, and creating a DEI decision making framework.  “The DEI Action Plan was created with input and feedback from university stakeholders and its implementation will have opportunities for many members of our community to get involved. At its core, this work is about strengthening the ability of UWS to educate current and future health care professionals and provide high quality health care.”

– Bola Majekobaje

The five priorities of the DEI Action Plan are reflected by the above image. They include building a foundation, a focus on diversifying and creating more opportunities for students and employees, and creating a culture of inclusion and belonging.