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.
2026-2031 Inclusive Excellence Plan
Our aim is to be leaders in equitable education, innovative research, and the transformation of healthcare systems to better serve diverse populations. This plan is a dynamic framework that inspires personal reflection, fosters a collective sense of responsibility, and drives meaningful and lasting change that advances health equity within and beyond our community.
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.
The Wisconsin Values Exchange: Beliefs in Practice Across Professions.
The School of Nursing, in partnership with the Schools of Law, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine, is an inaugural recipient of a Wisconsin Values Exchange grant.
Dr. Jeneile Luebke Awarded Grant to Study Culturally Congruent Support for Indigenous Students
The overall goal of this project is to provide Native American students enrolled in higher education with culturally congruent support and experiential learning opportunities.
Culture as Medicine
Renowned author Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer was the keynote speaker for the 10th annual Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit—a meaningful day of connection and reflection attended by over 450 alumni, students, nurses, and Indigenous community members.
Where Culture Meets Care
Undergraduate nursing students are benefiting from a new nursing immersion program with the Ho-Chunk House of Wellness.
- More stories about health equity
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.
Inclusive Excellence Across Campus
Events
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Recognition & Awards
School of Nursing Earns Insight Into Diversity 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award
National honor marks the third overall for School of Nursing.
School of Nursing Earns INSIGHT Into Diversity 2022 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for Second Year
For the second straight year, the UW–Madison School of Nursing has been selected as a Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipient by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
School of Nursing Receives Insight Into Diversity 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award
The School of Nursing has been selected as a 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipient by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
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