Renay Scales, PhD Named Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion

Renay Scales, PhD, will serve as the Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion. She will begin her new position at the College of Medicine in late August. Currently the Director of Faculty Development and Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Scales serves as the institutional representative for the national Empathy Project and works in tandem with leadership to develop programs and teach culturally conscious practices. She has provided consulting services to over 60 colleges and universities in the areas of strategic planning for social justice and inclusion, cultural competency, team building and conflict resolution. Dr. Scales was selected a national clinical faculty member in 2013 by the National Board of Medical Examiners and works to support colleagues who teach and supervise medical students. Other national appointments include a former board position with the National Coalition Building Institute in Washington, D.C., and membership on the Advisory Board for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity. Dr. Scales has received recognition for women’s studies, civil leadership and academic achievement. She also received a “best practice” award for training on inclusion by the Office for Civil Rights. Her recent scholarship includes articles and presentations on the impact of dominance on race and gender, global health and capacity building in South Africa, academic bullying and a chapter in a newly released book published by Stylus, “Disrupting the Culture of Silence: Confronting Gender Inequality and Making Change in Higher Education.” She also collaborated with a research fellow in a regional study conducted on depression among medical students. Among her most lauded accomplishments is a global health program in partnership with the University of KwaZulu Natal. She and her team received funding and implemented the program for four years in Durban, South Africa. Current research includes a book on inclusion in patient care, and a study on how southeastern Kentucky culture impacts decisions about hospice care. Please join us in welcoming Renay Scales to the University of Kentucky!