Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
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
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.
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.
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.
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Close to Home
Macy Deaton’s path to nursing is rooted in reducing barriers.
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Dean Emerit Linda D. Scott Selected as Recipient of 2026 Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Dean Emerit Linda D. Scott was selected posthumously as the 2026 recipient of the Canary Savage Girardeau Award, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, advocacy, and transformative impact on nursing education, research, practice,…
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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.
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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.
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
October
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October 22
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October 22Escaping Our Bubbles: What Really Divides UsAn evening with Isaac Saul, Founder of Tangle6:00 PM, Gordon Dining and Event Center
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October 26
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October 27
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October 28Global Caféhosted by International Student Services (ISS)
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…
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…
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.