Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
The School of Nursing actively fosters an environment of inclusive excellence that welcomes diversity among its students, faculty, and staff. Awareness of diversity and promotion of inclusivity is central to our curricula, social and educational events, and resources and services.
We embrace a definition of diversity that acknowledges the intersection of multiple factors, perspectives, and identities, which include but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, age, and physical characteristics.
In 2021 the School received an Insight Into Diversity magazine’s Health Professions HEED (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity) Awards.
Inclusive Excellence Plan (PDF) Anti-Racism Commitment (PDF)
Note: Our Anti-Racism Commitment is under review in 2024-2025.
Connect with us
Our tradition of integrated research and practice focuses on the needs of those whose health status or social condition leaves them vulnerable or places them at risk. Our collaborative innovations increase the diversity of participation in healthcare research, promote sharing of diverse interprofessional perspectives, provide tools to support those working with vulnerable populations, and enhance community engagement.
Get Involved
Health Sciences Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lunch and Learns
These events are co-sponsored by the UW–Madison Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, and Medicine and Public Health, and are open to all health science faculty, staff, and students.
10th Annual Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit
The Native Nations Nursing Summit focuses on educating nurses about the public health needs of Wisconsin Native communities while highlighting the use of an integrated team model in health care.
The Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Named in honor of the first African American graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing, this award is presented to a graduate, current student, faculty, or staff member from the School of Nursing for notable work or responsive advocacy that reflects the School’s commitment to health equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Multicultural Student Nurse Organization
The Multicultural Student Nurse Organization is a student-founded and directed organization dedicated to improving students of color’s experiences, expertise, and preparedness for succeeding in nursing curriculum and professions and for caring for patients of all backgrounds across care settings.
Badger Nurse Mentorship Program
The School of Nursing created the Badger Nurse Mentorship Program to build more connections between our alumni and current students. One of the most effective ways to build a sense of belonging for students of color is to pair them with alumni of color who have similar experiences. For this reason, the Badger Nurse Mentorship Program pairs students and mentors using a variety of criteria, which includes pairing them based on their racial/ethnic background if they desire.
You Belong Here: Health Sciences Multicultural Reception
Hosted by the Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, and Medicine and Public Health, this gathering is dedicated to creating a space where faculty, staff, students, and alumni—particularly those from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds—can come together to build meaningful connections and support one another.
Inclusion Across Campus
Events
- December
- December 3Disabled Creators Winter Craft FairHosted by the Disability Cultural Center and Disability Pride Madison3:00 PM, On Wisconsin Room, Armory and Gymnasium (Red Gym)
- December 3OPT "Ask Me Anything" SessionAdvising Workshop: hosted by International Student Services (ISS)4:30 PM, Online
- December 3
- December 3
- December 4
Understanding diversity is an ongoing process that involves lifelong learning, and we believe that this continued learning is crucial to improving health, ensuring equity, and providing a positive, supportive climate in which all individuals are welcome.
DEI in Research and Practice
Meet the Staff: Diamond D. Williams, DrPH, MPH, Associate Dean for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Diamond D. Williams discusses the importance of health equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within nursing and the ways she'd like to see this landscape change across the UW.
Reclaiming Traditional Knowledge Through the Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit
Our 2024 summit brought together Indigenous communities, health care providers, tribal leaders, students, and advocates in a powerful gathering focused on culturally congruent care.
A Calling Answered: Eduardo Piña’s Journey into Nursing
Eduardo "Chuy" Piña has changed lives and inspired many on the road to a BSN—all while overcoming steep challenges.
UW–Madison’s Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine recipients of the 2024 Health Professions HEED Award
Three schools at UW–Madison have been honored with the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
Dr. Elliot Tebbe Awarded Grant to Study Social Support for Transgender and Nonbinary Populations
Elliot Tebbe, PhD, LP, was awarded a five-year R01 grant funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
- More Stories about Diversity & Inclusion
DEI Resources
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Nursing Resources
A collection of downloadable and web-based articles and resources to help understand and teach about diversity issues in nursing. We can help connect you with other resources that you need.
Contact Us
Diamond D. Williams, DrPH, MPH
Position title: Associate Dean for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Email:
ddwilliams2
Phone: 608-263-5262
Address:
5257 Signe Skott Cooper Hall