Following an extensive national search and interviews with highly qualified individuals, the College of Medicine is excited to welcome Na’Tasha Evans, PhD, MEd, as the new vice dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and associate professor in the department of behavioral science.
“At the College of Medicine, we are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive learning environment where all are valued, and part of that commitment is securing exceptional talent who can ensure we meet our goals,” said Acting Dean Charles Griffith, MD, MSPH. “Dr. Evans possesses the experience in health education, research, diversity initiatives, and leadership to take on this role. We are excited to execute her vision for DEI at the college.”
Dr. Evans joins us from Kent State University, where she served in multiple capacities, including the strategic planning fellow for the Anti-Racism and Equity Institute Division of Research and Sponsored Programs; associate professor of health education and promotion in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services; and founder and director of the Research and Education Collaborative for Health Disparities.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology, Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry, and a Master of Education in community health education from Cleveland State University. These degrees were followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in health education from the University of Toledo.
Dr. Evans’ academic portfolio is focused on health disparities and minority health with an emphasis on maternal, child, and infant health, patient-provider communication, and women’s health. She has published books, book chapter, peer-referred articles and received funding from entities such as the YWCA.
Beyond her research, Dr. Evans actively mentors learners across several health care colleges at Kent State and the University of Toledo.
The success the College of Medicine realized under former Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion Stephanie White, MD, MS, led to the decision to elevate the position to vice dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In her new role, Dr. Evans will provide leadership and oversight for all DEI activities that support the medical students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents and fellows, faculty, and staff members; oversee the Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup for the strategic plan; serve on the dean’s executive leadership team; and work collaboratively with other health science colleges to maximize the effectiveness of inter-professional pipeline programs and other DEI efforts.
Her official start date was May 29.
The college wants to extend a huge thank you to Dr. White for her strong leadership and dedication to the college’s mission in her role as associate dean for diversity and inclusion. Her guidance was vital in navigating the challenges during and post-pandemic. Dr. White facilitated the process of UK College of Medicine joining 22 other academic institutions and organizations as inaugural members of The National Center for Pre-Faculty Development to help diversify academia. Under her direction, the UK College of Medicine received the prestigious Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award two years in a row from INSIGHT into Diversity magazine.
Finally, a thank you to the search committee that volunteered to lead the charge to recruit Dr. Evans.