UTHealth School of Public Health Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy Committee recognizes departing chair for their service

The UTHealth School of Public Health Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy (IDEA) Committee recognizes departing committee chair, J. Michael Wilkerson, PhD, for his contributions to building and fostering the growth of this initiative at the School of Public Health.

Over the last four years, Dr. Wilkerson’s tireless leadership of the committee has led to innovative ideas that have resulted in increased credibility and visibility of the committee in the School of Public Health community. As a result, the relationships fostered between the IDEA Committee and the faculty, staff and student populations have allowed for organizational prosperity and continued growth in the committee’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at the School of Public Health.

The IDEA committee has experienced an exponential amount of improvement under Dr. Wilkerson’s leadership and wishes to express the utmost gratitude for his time and effort. The committee cites that the growth was only possible through Dr. Wilkerson’s pledged time and effort in addition to his normal responsibilities as a faculty member of the School.

“Dr. Wilkerson, your initiative and dedication to the role will be difficult to match, but you leave the committee a better organization and on a strong footing for those who follow you,” said Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, Development and Diversity, Dr. Melissa Valerio-Shewmaker.

Members of the IDEA Committee are: Marlyn Allicock; Sara Nofal; Kim Baker; Luis Leon Novelo; Sarah Bentley; Elvis Parada; JR Bright; Suja Rajan; Melissa Campos-Hernandez; Micaela Sandoval; Alane Celeste-Villalvir; Gordon Shen; Manny Chavarria; Mary Ann Smith; Petrolina Chilaka; Kymberle Sterling; Charles Darkoh; Irene Tami-Maury; Kori Gould Washington; Melissa Valerio-Shewmaker; Robert Hammarberg; Tanner Workman; Manny Moon and Isaiah Zoschke