School of Nursing
Guests connect at the Underrepresented Student and Alumni reception

Diversity & Inclusion

Linda D. Oakley meets with a patient.
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.

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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.

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.

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.

Mathew Trapp, accelerated BSN graduate

Contact Us

Diamond D. Williams, DrPH, MPH

Position title: Associate Dean for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Email: ddwilliams2@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5262

Address:
5257 Signe Skott Cooper Hall