Access, Opportunity & Engagement Statement

At VCU School of Public Health, our unwavering commitment to fostering access, opportunities, and engagement is the cornerstone of our mission as an academic public health institution. We understand that a safe, diverse,  equitable, and inclusive environment catalyzes innovative thinking, groundbreaking research, and effective learning.

Our key values and goals are a testament to this commitment:

Goal 1:  Recruit, retain, and develop a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.

Goal 2: Provide a world-class academic environment integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service.

Goal 3: Ensure accountability to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within SoPH and in serving neighboring communities.

These goals and strategies have informed our mission and vision:

Our Mission

Our mission is not a solitary endeavor but a collective journey. We aim to educate, engage, and empower the SoPH community, and we recognize that this can only be achieved through building an inclusive intellectual and physical environment. It's a space where everyone actively practices solidarity, contributing to the greater good of the community culture and enhancing everyone's experiences.

Our Vision

Our vision builds on the VCU belief that each community member is valuable and that diversity of culture, thought, and identity enriches academic and workplace experiences. We support respectful and meaningful inquiry across actual or perceived differences and seek to provide an environment for learning and working where differences are not just accepted, but valued. Each person in our community is supported and offered an equitable opportunity to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Contact 

     Marcie Wright, Ph.D., M.P.H.

     Director of Access, Opportunity and Engagement

     Email: mswright@vcu.edu