Since the associate dean for diversity position and the Office for Diversity was created five years ago by Dr. Richard Simons, former vice dean for educational affairs, there have been many changes on the Penn State Hershey campus. The original mission of the office was to ensure appropriate depth and breadth of campus diversity initiatives. Teaching the notion of diversity is as much about inclusion as both are important to the health of the campus.
To that end, the Office for Diversity will now be known as the Office for Diversity and Inclusion. It will continue to be led by Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Harjit Singh.
According to Singh, changing the name of the office will better align with the vision for diversity and inclusion at the Medical Center and College of Medicine. In addition, it will align with the title of the Director of Diversity and Inclusion, who is part of the office.
“Inclusion is as important to the health of our campus as diversity,” said Singh. “We invite people of many different backgrounds to study, work, and receive their healthcare here at Penn State Hershey. As students and employees, being part of a diverse and inclusive team is very important. Our patients expect us to understand and empathize with their journeys.”
The term inclusion has been widely used nationally along with the term diversity to describe similar efforts on other campuses. With this change, Penn State Hershey is now in line with other institutions that strive for a workplace in which people of all backgrounds and cultures feel included, welcomed and valued.
Singh added, “Having a diverse campus is important, but in order for our efforts to have real meaning, we must recognize our similarities, embrace our differences and include everyone in the dialogue.”