Conference

Uniting Advancement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Leadership Development

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Abstract

Two priorities of the Dean of the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine are advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the college and developing the next generation of leaders in the veterinary profession. During the summer of 2020, two veterinary professional students participated in the Dean’s Summer Leadership Internship to develop their leadership skills while working on projects to advance DEI in the college. To develop leadership knowledge and skills, the interns participated in a weekly journal club with the Dean and the Dean’s executive staff, met with leaders from a variety of backgrounds during lunchtime meet and greets, and participated in and completed the Purdue University Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine Certificate Program. Importantly, the interns honed their leadership skills by advancing several projects focused on DEI in the college. These included launching a DEI training Program for first year DVM students, organizing the first day of class DEI lunchtime seminar, and analyzing data on CVM applicants that are underrepresented in veterinary medicine. Skills developed included project management, team-building, consensus building, and public speaking/presentation. Come learn from a College of Veterinary Medicine panel on their experience in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the college.