Transforming academia for equity: implementation at the University of Memphis
Abstract
In 2022, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Transforming Academia for Equity grant program, and in partnership with the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (ASPPH) the University of Memphis (UofM) School of Public Health (SPH) began a systematic, coordinated process to develop and implement a strategic plan of action that provides an inclusive culture and supports historically excluded and minoritized scholars and students. We formed a guiding team that consisted of key SPH leaders and experienced campus administrators from other UofM colleges (Law, Education, and Communication and Fine Arts). Using a data-driven approach (climate surveys, listening sessions, and focus groups), we identified priorities and developed activities and training sessions that responded to what we heard. These activities and sessions included faculty/staff workshops and a graduate student mentoring program. Importantly, we also identified salient processes and metrics that have been embedded in the School of Public Health’s new Strategic Plan that will support sustainability.
Publication Title
Frontiers in Public Health
Recommended Citation
Levy, M., Bartelli, D., Mzayek, F., Yu, X., Zanskas, S., Frank, D., Harris, C., Jacobo, A., Harris, K., & Silva, S. (2026). Transforming academia for equity: implementation at the University of Memphis. Frontiers in Public Health, 14 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1690688
