■ Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
Continued From Page 14 adopted three fundamental pillars that guide our programming — Awareness , Representation and Inclusion . In 2021 , we provided nine virtual D & I programs for our associates , with more than 60 percent of them participating . Also , over the past two years we have donated more than $ 75,000 to support local Urban League chapters and other organizations focused on diversity , inclusion and belonging . As we head into 2022 , we are looking forward to continuing to learn , proactively being a part of change , and providing resources for our employees to help bring to life our vision of every voice mattering .
RWJBarnabas Health By Trina Parks , DHA , FACHE , Executive Vice President , Corporate Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
As one of the largest employers and care providers in the state , we are committed to ensuring that all New Jerseyans have representation within the healthcare system and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve . Since launching the Corporate Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 2016 , we have sought to reaffirm a culture of diversity , equity and inclusion in all areas of operation because we understand that these areas influence every part of our business . We have hired DEI site leads across our facilities and created more than 30 Business Resource Groups that bring together employees based on shared characteristics or life experiences . To ensure that our workforce is representative of the populations we serve , we require that 50 percent of final leadership candidates for director-level positions and above are diverse in both race and ethnicity . We have also prioritized culturally competent care delivery , disrupting deep-rooted practices by creating and maintaining an environment where people are adapted to cultural humility . We instituted system-wide cultural sensitivity trainings for our frontline staff and practitioners , reaching 90 percent of employees to date . We have expanded LGBTQ treatment services across our facilities , ultimately resulting in eight hospitals to date , receiving recognition as Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation .
HIGHER EDUCATION
Bloomfield College By Dr . Marcheta P . Evans , President
As New Jersey ’ s only four-year college designated a Predominantly Black Institution , Hispanic Serving Institution and
Minority Serving Institution , Bloomfield College provides higher education access to a large segment of underserved student populations of which 85 percent are people of color and nearly 71 percent have a median family income below $ 32,000 . The college embraces the rich diversity and culture of its students , staff , faculty , administrators and trustees , including but not limited to race , ethnicity , gender , sexual orientation , ability , socio-economic status and religion . In spring 2021 , the college ’ s Diversity , Equity and Inclusion ( DEI ) Task Force conducted a Climate Survey and has made a number of recommendations as it examines all aspects of diversity , equity and inclusion to ensure this understanding is being infused throughout the curriculum , co-curriculum and extra-curriculum . The DEI Task Force reads peer-reviewed research , attends DEI-related trainings and events , and has reviewed faculty demographics and student retention and graduation rates at the college to make recommendations such as including a diversity statement in course syllabi that invites student DEI suggestions with the goal of improving course effectiveness ; increasing diversity in hiring ; and that employees receive diversity training for working with the college ’ s diverse student body .
Georgian Court University By Dr . Joseph R . Marbach , President
Last year , we hired two chief diversity officers — Ria DasGupta , Ed . D ., and Joy L . Smith , Ed . D .— who are examining issues of gender identity , microaggressions , critical race
Diversity in universities prepares students for a future in diverse workplaces .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / gradyreese theory , disability justice , inclusive practices and more . GCU has added one pre-doctoral and one post-doctoral position focused on improving representation among the faculty . A faculty – student brown bag series focuses on relevant research . A student coffeehouse conversation series is in the works . Another program creates opportunities for students who identify as men to talk about issues they face , especially as first-generation college students , first-generation Americans and students of color . These efforts , and others , are working . According to the 2021 National Survey of Student Engagement , GCU seniors gave the university significantly higher ratings on 18 DEI-related items than their peers .
Kean University By Dr . Lamont O . Repollet , President
Kean University is recognized as one of the most diverse universities in the nation , and we celebrate that with our commitment to equity and inclusion in all that we do . After becoming president in 2020 , I launched the Equity in Action Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship to bring more faculty members from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities to Kean . I created the Office of Diversity , Equity and Inclusion to ensure equity is embedded in the student and employee experience at Kean . I also launched a new Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives division to build a pre-K to bachelor ’ s degree pipeline for all students in New Jersey . Through new programs like our Kean Scholar Academy , Kean is connecting with young people to help make their dream of earning a college degree a reality . These initiatives , and many others , ensure that diversity remains a point of pride for all of us at Kean and a key part of a Kean education as we prepare our graduates to excel in the global , multicultural economy .
Montclair State University By Dr . Jonathan Koppell , President
Diversity , equity and inclusion are embedded in the fabric of Montclair State University . The largest Hispanic-Serving Institution ( HSI ) in New Jersey , half of our undergraduate student population identifies as minority . We have been recognized as one of the top-performing institutions in the country for graduating low-income students , giving them the springboard to change the trajectory of their lives and achieve true economic mobility . The university has also been named one of only 35 Fulbright HSI Leaders in the country for its exemplary engagement with the international exchange program . Montclair has been designated a Stigma Free Campus and is annually
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