Award recognizes contributions to champion diversity, inclusion and sustainability in nursing education
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) honored The Ohio State University and its College of Nursing with its 2022 Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability in Nursing Education Lectureship Award for Academic Health Centers.
AACN’s award website notes that the award “recognizes outstanding contributions made by schools of nursing that champion diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in nursing education.” AACN lists several impactful actions by Ohio State and the College of Nursing in earning this honor, including:
- The institution added equity, inclusion and social justice to its core values;
- The College of Nursing’s partnership in launching the inaugural cohort of the Health Equity Scholars program;
- Diversifying the faculty, staff and student population and building a more inclusive college culture as major priorities at the College of Nursing;
- The launch of the Student Success Series program for undergraduate and graduate students;
- Support for the development of student groups Out in Nursing and Nursing Students of Color
- Broad engagement in implicit bias training among faculty and staff;
- The successful annual Summer Institute for Future Nurses (pictured above) to spark interest from high school students; and
- Including demographic statistics on the college’s website to highlight the significant progress made in increasing the number of underrepresented individuals among faculty, staff and students.
“Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is genuine and deeply-rooted in the culture of our college,” said Angela Alston, DNP, MPH, APRN-CNP, assistant clinical professor and chief diversity officer at the College of Nursing. “We see it as part of our responsibility and our calling to inspire, educate and prepare future healthcare leaders from underrepresented communities who will not only provide quality, evidence-based care to patients, but who also will transform how care is provided everywhere, including in underrepresented communities.”
“The very essence of transforming health and improving lives lies in building a culture and community in our college that promotes innovation, opportunity and impactful change to make the world a brighter place for all,” said Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer and dean of the College of Nursing. “This award confirms that we are leading initiatives that are resulting in positive outcomes and making great investments in the future of both our college and the diverse communities we serve.”
By virtue of this award, Dr. Alston will represent Ohio State and address the membership at AACN’s virtual Diversity Symposium scheduled in November.
