UAMS Honors Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

By ChaseYavondaC

The honorees and other nominees were announced during the annual State of Diversity and Inclusion at UAMS. There were 22 nominees across three categories for contributions to the understanding and value of diversity on campus and throughout the community.

The student nominees for the 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Awards of Excellence pose for a group photo with UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D., left.

The student nominees for the 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Awards of Excellence pose for a group photo with UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D., left.

Trevor Johnson, a medical student in the UAMS College of Medicine, was recognized for his work throughout the community, including vascular screenings in west Little Rock and health screenings at the 12th Street Health & Wellness Center.

Sheila Robinson, B.S.N., A.P.N., was the staff recipient for her work as coordinator and instructor in the Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Program in the UAMS Institute on Aging. The program educates individuals to care for older adults in the home.

Kate Stewart, M.D., M.P.H., was the faculty recipient. Stewart, a professor of health policy and management in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, directs the Translational Research Institute’s Community Engagement program, which promotes collaboration and partnerships among community members and organizations.

Thomas at podium

Billy Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and director of Center for Diversity Affairs, speaks at the 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Awards of Excellence.

Billy Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and director of Center for Diversity Affairs, said it was important for UAMS and other academic institutions to foster a climate that is inviting and nurturing for all.

“When we look at inclusion and diversity, it all boils down to social change,” said Thomas. “If we don’t pay attention to things going on around us, nothing will improve.”

UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D., said having policies in place to prevent discrimination is important, but more has to be done to positively contribute to everyone’s success.

“We have the opportunity to focus on our common humanity, purpose, value to society and ability to contribute to an overall mission with a focus on welfare for others,” said Rahn. “If we don’t, we will miss out on the experience, the success and what we can contribute to the lives of others.”

Below are the nominees for each category:

 

Student Category 

  • Trevor Johnson, College of Medicine (Winner)

 

  • LaTasha Moore, College of Public Health
  • Salil S. Joshi, College of Public Health
  • Clarice Montgomery, College of Pharmacy
  • Amanda J. Compadre, College of Medicine
  • Johnasha Stuart, Graduate School
  • Fabiola C. Obregón, College of Medicine
  • Rose Cooper, Graduate School
  • Quinton Palmer, College of Medicine

 

Staff Category 

  • Sheila A. Robinson, A.P.N, B.S.N., Reynolds Institute on Aging (Winner)

 

  • George Hankins-Hull, Pastoral Care
  • Patty L. Summons, College of Medicine
  • Elizabeth A. Bard, Academic Affairs
  • LaShannia Y. Houston, Campus Environmental Services
  • Mark A. Leonard, Information Technology

 

Faculty Category 

  • Kate Stewart, M.D., M.P.H., College of Public Health (Winner)

 

  • Janet Cathey, M.D., College of Medicine
  • Krista Sterba, Ph.D., Graduate School
  • Cesar M. Compadre, Ph.D., College of Pharmacy
  • Beatrice Boateng, Ph.D., Translational Research Institute
  • Larronda Rainey, M.N.Sc., R.N., College of Nursing
  • Kristen M. Sterba, Ph.D., Graduate School
  • Antiño R. Allen, Ph.D., College of Pharmacy