The School of Nursing is committed to inclusive excellence and advancing health equity. Advancing health equity is a fundamental part of our mission, reflected throughout our curricula, social and educational events, resources, and services. Diversity, equity, and belonging are central to creating a transformative culture that ensures equitable access to respectful and meaningful engagement for all community members.
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 health care research, promote sharing of diverse interprofessional perspectives, provide tools to support those working with vulnerable populations, and enhance community engagement.
Get Involved
Health Sciences Lunch and Learns
These events are co-sponsored by the UW–Madison Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Public Health, along with UW Health, and are open to all health sciences faculty, staff, and students.
10th Annual Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit
At this annual summit, nurses and other healers share knowledge and collaborative approaches to address the health and well-being of Indigenous communities, incorporate Indigenous wisdom, and promote planetary health.
The Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Named in honor of the first African American graduate of the UW–Madison School of Nursing, this award is presented to a graduate, current student, faculty, community partner, 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.
Student Organizations
The School of Nursing encourages and supports students to pursue their interests, explore opportunities, and form social networks through a wide variety of active student organizations on campus.
Health Sciences Welcome Reception
The Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, and Medicine and Public Health are proud to host the Health Sciences Welcome Reception—a gathering for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to connect, collaborate, and support one another.
Inclusive Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Service
Edith Lawrence-Hilliard Honored with 2025 Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
An advocate for health equity and a pillar of community engagement in the Madison community, Ms. Lawrence-Hilliard has dedicated decades to uplifting marginalized voices in health, education, and civic life.
Dr. Jeneile Luebke Receives Outstanding Women of Color Award
Each year, UW-Madison recognizes honorees whose advocacy, activism, and/or scholarship have positively transformed their organizations and/or communities and whose efforts advance inclusive excellence for people of color.
A New Type of Translation
For UW–Madison School of Nursing alum and professor Dr. Maichou Lor, creating tools to address culturally-appropriate care and improve clinical practice means patients’ symptoms are no longer lost in translation.
School of Nursing Visionary Dr. Linda D. Oakley Recognized with 2024 UW–Madison School of Nursing Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
This honor highlights Dr. Oakley’s transformative contributions to nursing, education, and community-based research that addresses health disparities in marginalized communities.
- More stories about health equity
Inclusive Excellence Across Campus
Events
- December
- December 12ISS Study Week + Express Travel Signatureshosted by International Student Services (ISS)8:30 AM, International Community Center (Suite 130), Pyle Center
- December 12
- December 12
- December 13
- December 13
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.
Contact Us
Diamond D. Williams, DrPH, MPH
Position title: Associate Dean for Health Equity and Community Engagement
Email:
ddwilliams2
Phone: 608-263-5262
Address:
5257 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Demi Jo Carr
Position title: Health Equity and Community Engagement Specialist
Email:
dcarr6
Phone: 608-262-5070
Address:
5165 Signe Skott Cooper Hall