The UAB School of Nursing has zero-tolerance for racial and social injustice, and the values of diversity, equity and inclusion have long been a part of the UAB School of Nursing’s mission and pursuit of improved health equity.

Our School began a journey in 2019 with faculty, staff and students to truly transform the UAB School of Nursing into one that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive for everyone, where everyone feels they belong, and we are dedicated to creating a culture that goes beyond our own tenure. In 2020, the School took more concrete steps to both communicate its goals and efforts, as well as to ensure a strong, steady path forward. Recruitment began for the inaugural position of Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—a role that was filled in August 2021 by Dr. Felesia Bowen. Steps toward progress also included collaboration with the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and consulting group Best Gurl Inc., to survey faculty, staff, students and alumni, and held strategic planning sessions to gain feedback from these and other stakeholders on diversity, equity and inclusion in the School. The feedback received from the UABSON community laid the groundwork in goal development and prioritization, as well as a way to open the door to clear communication and conversation.

As we move forward, part of what guides us is the School's Strategic Diversity Plan. We are also guided by The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, which explores how nurses can work to reduce health disparities and promote equity, while keeping costs at bay, utilizing technology, and maintaining patient and family-focused care into 2030.

The faculty, staff and students understand permanent and lasting cultural change takes time within an organization, but we are committed to participating in crucial and sometimes difficult conversations that are needed to lay the foundation for changes in one’s beliefs, values and assumptions. This is essential as we work to actively transform our School into an organization whose culture truly values justice, inclusivity, belongingness and equity for everyone. We are committed to this being a shared process among everyone leading the way toward developing an organizational culture that embraces all people from all backgrounds.