Adrienne Morgan, assistant dean for medical education diversity and inclusion in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, has been named associate vice president in the University’s Office of Equity and Inclusion established this past summer. The associate vice president supports the chief diversity officer in advancing the strategic goals and initiatives that promote inclusivity throughout the University and ensuring that individuals from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities feel welcomed and supported here.
Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, the Richard Feldman Vice President for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, announced Morgan’s appointment, which will begin on Dec. 2.
“I am very happy to welcome Adrienne to the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Having worked with her extensively already in my time here, I know that she brings the leadership qualities and commitment to drive sustainable change and institution-wide initiatives to further our progress in building a Culture of Respect,” said Ramírez Fernández. “She is a proven and collaborative professional with many years of service to the University community, and someone who has been very successful in implementing effective diversity strategies. She is highly respected for this important work.”
Morgan’s responsibilities as associate vice president will include contributing to the University’s vision for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that align with the institution’s goals and priorities in this area. This work includes drawing on research, scholarship, national trends and previous experience to develop and support relevant recruitment, training, and communication programs, as well as policies. She will work closely with diversity, equity and inclusion units throughout the University to do this, as well as collaborate with deans, department chairs, faculty and staff affairs, and other key campus and community leaders.
“I am very excited to be working with Dr. Ramírez Fernández to advance a common vision of a “one university” culture that promotes equity and inclusion,” said Morgan. “Issues of equity, inclusion, and social justice are in the spirit of Meliora and at the center of the work I have had the privilege to be part of with the offices for Medical Education and the Office for Inclusion and Culture over the past 19 years.”
As assistant dean in the Medical Center since 2017, Morgan has worked with residents, fellows and faculty to identify and address challenges and solutions related to diversity, including recruiting and retaining historically under-represented groups. She oversees affinity groups and coordinates international internships, community outreach opportunities, research experiences, and the fourth-year visiting clerkships for potential matching residents. She also leads community-based pipeline programs that support local minority elementary and high school students in their pursuit of science careers, while giving SMD students a chance to mentor younger students.
For nearly 20 years, Morgan has served as senior director in the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Center for Advocacy, Community Health, Education and Diversity (CACHED), which aims to broaden the scope of medical education beyond the classroom to include health, culture and educational experiences with the goal of creating cross-culturally aware physicians. She has also been a member of URMC’s Executive Committee on Diversity & Inclusion, which brings together students, faculty, trainees and staff to provide leadership and guidance in advancing the Medical Center’s goal to cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment.
Morgan is also an assistant professor in the division of Medical Humanities and Bioethics in the Medical Center where she has taught a popular medical humanities seminar focusing on anti-racism. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed a graduate certificate at Cornell University in industrial and labor relations. She earned a master’s degree in cross-disciplinary professional studies from RIT and a PhD in higher education from the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
She has received many awards over the years for her efforts to promote an inclusive and diverse community. These awards include the 2012 University of Rochester Presidential Diversity Award; the Urban League of Rochester’s Outstanding Educator of the Year Award in 2014; and the Susan B. Anthony Institute’s Dissertation Award in 2013.
