Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
About DEI at Rollins
At the heart of the Rollins School of Public Health’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lies a dynamic team of over 100 faculty, staff, and students from across six academic departments and a network of student organizations, led by the assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This group works together to foster an equitable, inclusive and supportive community where all members are able to thrive and pursue our scholarly mission to eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes.
Our Approach
Our approach is straightforward: “The work of DEI belongs to all of us” who strive towards academic excellence. We are persistent in building an inclusive and intellectually challenging environment that embraces individual differences and actively works towards social justice and health equity and against racism, inequity, and oppression in local, regional, national, and global communities. As a hub for some of the most talented public health researchers and educators, professional staff and learners, Rollins is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an academic community that values cooperation, mutual respect, integrity, empathy, and cultural humility.
Key Initiatives and Programs
Through these initiatives and programs, Rollins leads by example, fostering a thriving and inclusive environment. And yet these highlights do not constitute the entirety of our work. The hard work of the Rollins Executive Leadership, faculty, staff, students, and DEI teams continue. There has been exponential growth of DEI-related activity within our academic departments, as leaders conduct climate assessments (via listening sessions, surveys, and other feedback systems); implement professional development and DEI education and awareness activities; make curriculum recommendations, and develop new course offerings; and engage in DEI-related events and special initiatives.
Through collaborative efforts with Student Affairs, our students begin their journey at Rollins with several opportunities to think about and discuss pressing health equity challenges and the core principles of building an inclusive community through tailored leadership workshops and discussion groups during Orientation. As they transition to the classroom, our students can expect to experience courses that have been thoughtfully assessed to increase a sense of belonging while advancing the most rigorous and inclusive curricula as well as new courses that contemplate, for example, leadership through social change theory and the role of respectful dialogue that can lead to conflict integration rather than avoidance. Lastly, if students take part in student governance or other organizations, they can celebrate and explore the diverse identities and perspectives that our community holds through open dialogue and special events.
The HealthPrep Summer Pipeline Program, a hallmark initiative led by the Office of Multicultural Affairs within the Emory School of Medicine and RSPH Office of DEI, provides critical mentorship and resources to nearly 25 scholars annually from disadvantaged backgrounds, preparing them for success in health-related graduate programs. This transformative program has been supported by five Graduate Teaching Assistants annually who serve as mentors and educators, fostering an environment of inclusion and opportunity.
Recognizing the challenges of navigating difficult discussions, the Office of DEI implemented a training series for faculty and staff that was attended by over 200 participants. By focusing on shared language, self-awareness, and stress management, participants developed the tools to facilitate inclusive dialogue while recognizing the importance of emotional resilience in communication. For those who had additional interest, the RSPH Office of DEI in partnership with the Emory College of Arts and Sciences created a second training opportunity that focused on the pillars of curiosity, attention, responsiveness, and empathy (CARE Fellows Program) to further enhance communication skills and improve employee confidence in conflict resolution and building inclusivity.
The Rollins Staff Council champions professional growth, hosts networking events, promotes staff achievements, and advocates for the needs and interests of public health professional staff at Rollins. In collaboration with the leadership of Staff Council, the Office of DEI ensures and support the uplifting of staff voices and initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to creating a culture of excellence, equity and accountability for all.
With renewed energy, Rollins Office of DEI revitalized the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Awards in 2025, celebrating individuals and organizations who embody Dr. King’s vision. This collaborative, multi-institutional event, now including Emory Healthcare, underscores Rollins’ commitment to community partnerships and acknowledging students, faculty, staff, and community leaders who are advancing social justice and equity.