The College of Veterinary Medicine is known for the exceptional doctors of veterinary medicine it produces, but what few people realize is the breadth of education, research, and service offerings housed within our walls. This diversity in mission has drawn an increasingly diverse and multicultural group of faculty, staff, and students to the College. In order to further develop a culture of equity and inclusion, and as a part of the CVM’s strategic plan, the College is establishing an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to be led by a newly appointed assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The new office will focus on developing and implementing a defined plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College level, including expanding initiatives and opportunities for community education. There is currently a diversity committee as well as a diversity coordinator who have been focused on Inclusive Excellence programming and recruiting within the College’s DVM program. Going forward, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will lead strategic initiatives for the entire College of Veterinary Medicine, including faculty and staff development and education on diversity, student programming and recruitment initiatives, and generally building a culture of multiculturalism within all parts of the College. It will be housed within the CVM Office of Research and Graduate and Faculty Affairs and work in coordination with the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of the Dean.
“This is an important step for this College,” said Lisa Nolan, dean of the College. “Inclusive Excellence is not only a strategic priority for the university but one that is of utmost importance to us in the veterinary medicine profession.”
Dr. Susan M. Williams will head the office, serving as interim assistant dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Williams has been on the CVM faculty at UGA for 18 years in the Department of Population Health. Originally from California, she received her BS degree in Zoology and a minor in African American studies from the University of California, Davis. She received her DVM from Tuskegee University and PhD in Veterinary Pathology from Michigan State University. She recently finished the UGA Certificate in Inclusive Excellence.
“Dr. Williams is a true leader in her field and has an excellent vision for what the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion should be here,” said Dean Nolan. “Under her leadership, the College’s multicultural initiatives will flourish well into the future.”
