Conversation with Dr. Keosha Partlow, Associate Provost for Student Affairs
Dr. Keosha Partlow
Social Justice has been important to CDU’ s mission since its founding. Do you agree?
I absolutely agree with that. I mean, Social Justice is really built in as part of the CDU DNA At the core of Social Justice is fairness, and what is just and right before the University’ s founding with the Watts uprising, that was really a cry out. We know that the community did not have equal access to health care, education, jobs, transportation. That’ s really at the core of equity and fairness. And so Social Justice has helped to propel the University forward; it’ s given and still gives the University purpose. We know that we cannot stop. We cannot rest, we cannot sleep until we see that fairness, that justice, that equitable access for everyone.
How has the Social Justice Pillar figured in the life of the University since then?
It’ s continued to propel us forward. We see it today, given the fact that we’ re opening the doors of our very own four-year MD program next year. That really speaks to Social Justice and that Pillar propelling us forward. We know that there’ s a dearth of health care professionals in our community, and certainly a shortage of MDs. And we also know that in South LA, in terms of its population, relative to access of health care professionals, it’ s very disproportionate. Our new MD program is certainly speaking to that. Our vision is excellent health and wellness for all in a world without health disparities. That is very much ingrained along with Social Justice and ensuring that we do not rest until we see this for all: excellent health and wellness.
What types of Social Justice initiatives have you and your colleagues participated in while at CDU? What does this interest stem from?
Social Justice for me, is, is very personal, and I would venture to say that it’ s a part of my DNA. I am originally from Compton. And I have absolutely seen issues related to access; and how not having access to healthy foods, not having access to various subject areas that we know to be integral with health, and individuals thriving. I’ ve seen that firsthand. It drives me and certainly every single colleague that I have at CDU. And students, I see that it definitely drives them as well. In my various roles at the University, especially in my current role, I would be remiss if I did not speak about the students, and how it’ s been so inspiring over the years to see all the initiatives that
Campus Demonstration
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 27