Mission Statement
The School of Health Sciences (HSCI) aspires to provide all students, staff and faculty with an openhearted, accessible and inclusive experience. We want to go beyond words and focus on engagements, demonstrating our assurance by prioritizing access, belonging, inclusion, diversity and equity at all levels. Our priorities include student, staff and faculty engagement, holistic well-being, community and belonging. HSCI is positioned to make a momentous contribution to achieve this.
Each of us embrace human and intellectual diversity and inclusiveness. We uphold the highest standards of fairness, act as responsible citizens, respect equality and the rights of others, and treat all individuals with dignity.
ABIDE Taskforce
The School of Health Sciences Access, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (ABIDE) Taskforce’s mission is to embrace access, belonging, inclusion, diversity and equity across all areas of the School of Health Sciences and beyond, taking action to prioritize holistic well-being and a sense of belonging.
What DEI means to our taskforce members
Dr. Margo Monteith, Associate Dean for DEI: “To me, diversity, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of just and thriving communities and society as a whole. These cornerstones are necessary for people with a broad range of identities – and in particular people who belong to underrepresented and marginalized groups – to be valued, empowered, and have access to what is needed to flourish. Intentional actions to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental ethical and moral imperatives.”
Dr. Aaron Bowman, Interim Dean of HHS: “I hunger for diverse ideas, creative concepts, alternative approaches and a wide-spectrum of priorities and skills. When I engage a diverse community — welcoming of differences both visible to the eye or not — I benefit from the view of others’ perspectives and challenge the boundaries of my identity and beliefs.”
Dr. Jason Cannon, Interim Head of HSCI: “Academic and scholarly excellence are critically dependent upon the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds. One of the great joys of academics is the prevailing opportunity to interact with individuals from widely varied backgrounds. Our personal and professional lives are immeasurably enriched by these interactions. Thus, I am inherently compelled to foster an inclusive and equitable environment.”
Dr. Priyanka Baloni, HSCI ABIDE chair: “To me Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are not just buzzwords, but they represent the very fabric of a society that values every individual and empowers them. In academia, embracing DEI principles not only broadens the scope of knowledge but also enhances the quality of research, teaching, and collaboration. By actively promoting diversity, ensuring equity, and fostering inclusivity, we create an environment where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and understanding.”
Alison Roth, HSCI ABIDE task force member: “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work is important to me because I want to make sure that all Boilermakers have a great experience in the School of Health Sciences. Different students need different role models and elements of support. I want to be part of the network of Boilermakers searching for and providing that support.”