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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Welcome to the School of Medical Sciences Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion!

 

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) recognizes that dynamic growth and change are required to meet the needs of today’s students. One of LMU’s institutional goals is to provide a caring and nurturing environment where students, faculty, and staff with varied talents, experiences, and aspirations come together to form a diverse community that encourages students to grow intellectually and personally to meet their academic and career goals.​

Here at the School of Medical Sciences (SMS), we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are the foundation for a better tomorrow for all. SMS is committed to providing equal access to education and employment opportunities in an environment that is safe, civil, respectful, and free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Our goal is to implement an overall strategic recruitment plan to increase the number of diverse applicants. We aim to establish new memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and prioritize recruitment with academically rigorous undergraduate institutions with diverse populations.

As a school of professional health programs, we strive for a community comprised of individuals with respect for varying ideas, strengths, abilities, opinions, experiences, and backgrounds for the goal of promoting innovation and vitality while being unwaveringly committed to professionalism and quality.​

We pledge to train highly educated, culturally sensitive professionals who mirror the diverse population they serve by using school resources to recruit talented, diverse staff and faculty and promoting an all-inclusive environment that embraces diversity and inclusion of all members.

 

LMU Non-Discrimination Policy

LMU-SMS follows the non-discrimination policy set forth by Lincoln Memorial University: Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy

 

Please use the links below to navigate to a specified section:

 

Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

Rachel Cole

Rachel Cole, PharmD
SMS DEI Director and Committee Chair

We are thrilled to welcome you to the Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences (LMU-SMS) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) webpage. This platform is designed to serve as a dynamic hub for fostering an inclusive community, promoting diversity, and advancing equity within our academic and professional spaces.

At the School of Medical Sciences, we recognize that a diverse and inclusive environment enhances the richness of our educational experiences, strengthens our research endeavors, and ultimately contributes to the excellence of our healthcare community. LMU-SMS has established a DEI Committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students working to develop our comprehensive DEI strategic plan.  This Committee is a testament to our commitment to cultivating a culture where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.

Here, you will find resources, initiatives, and updates that reflect our dedication to diversity and inclusion in medical education, research, and practice. From showcasing inspiring stories of our diverse community members to providing tools for understanding and navigating the complexities of diversity and equity, this webpage serves as a fulcrum for information and engagement. We invite you to use the links to navigate to the individual PA Programs for more information.

We encourage you to explore the various sections of the DEI webpage, participate in upcoming events highlighted on our Calendar, and contribute to the ongoing conversations around DEI within our School. By fostering an environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and respected, we can collectively drive positive change and advance the mission of our School.

Thank you for being integral to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, we can create a medical community that reflects the rich tapestry of human experiences and ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Co-chair of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
Cheri Jrolf

Cheri Jrolf, DMSc, PA-C
SMS DEI Committee Co-chair & Principal Faculty, DMS 

With great pride and enthusiasm, I extend a warm welcome to each of you. As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee co-chair, I am honored to be part of an institution that values and champions diversity in all its forms. Our commitment to DEI is a policy and a shared vision that propels us forward in our mission to educate and prepare the healthcare leaders of tomorrow. In my role, I have witnessed the transformative power of inclusivity and its positive impact on our learning environment, our community, and the future of healthcare. At LMU-SMS, we believe in fostering a culture that acknowledges and celebrates differences. As co-chair of the DEI Committee, I drive initiatives that promote understanding, embrace cultural competence, and create pathways for equity in education and professional advancement.

Our committee works tirelessly to ensure that our curriculum reflects the diverse perspectives of the world we serve. We advocate for removing barriers that may impede access to education and actively seek opportunities to amplify underrepresented voices in medicine. Through workshops, seminars, and community engagement, we strive to create an environment where every community member feels valued, heard, and empowered. I invite each of you to join us on this journey. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or staff, your unique experiences and perspectives contribute to the richness of our community. Let us continue to learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and collectively work towards a more equitable and inclusive future. The DEI Committee is not just a governing body; it is a community of individuals passionate about making a difference. Together, we are shaping a medical education that prepares students to navigate the complexities of a diverse healthcare landscape with empathy, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice.

Thank you for being part of the LMU-SMS community. I look forward to collaborating with each of you as we build a brighter and more inclusive future for healthcare.

 

Physician Assistant Programs DEI Chairs

The School of Medical Sciences is committed to addressing, strengthening, maintaining, and safeguarding the success of diversity, equity & inclusion within its Programs. Each Physician Assistant program has established a DEI committee to oversee and ensure the success of the SMS DEI mission. 

Tonya Apperley

Tonya Apperley, DMS, PA-C

Harrogate PA Program 

Visit HARROGATE PA PROGRAM DEI Page

Sonia Rupani

Sonia Rupani, DMS, PA-C

 Knoxville PA Program 

Visit KNOXVILLE PA PROGRAM DEI PAGE

 

 

Calendar of Events: 

Calendar
January July
February August
March September
April October
May November
June December

 

 

About Us

Content Coming Soon

 

Student Groups/Club DEI Directory

Content Coming Soon

 

DEI Information

Content Coming Soon