Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence

The College of Public Health is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and belonging for all. We strive to promote diversity and equity – and to be a model of inclusive excellence. Racism, xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and all other forms of hate will not be tolerated. Ohio State’s College of Public Health does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

We are committed to teaching that provides a safe, yet intellectually challenging, space for all identities and political viewpoints, research that improves the health of all populations and public health practice in diverse communities in the interest of improving our shared future.

To our students: Know that the college welcomes your presence in all our teaching, research and service spaces. You are valued here, whatever your political convictions, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, geographic origin, economic background or abilities. The college faculty and staff strive to create an environment that is safe for all, where diversity of opinion and experience are treated as true strengths of our community and our academic enterprise. and our communities.

We celebrate our core values: equity of health care, health outcomes and the pursuit of health; ethics in our scientific and practical endeavors; excellence in research, teaching, and service; and diversity in our community, workforce and culture.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Community of Inclusion

  • David Angeles, Graduate Student
  • Jennifer Beard, Assistant Dean, Strategic Initiatives
  • Amy Ferketich, Professor, Epidemiology
  • Colleen Fitzgibbons, Program Manager, Center for Public Health Practice
  • Ann Florentine, Assistant Dean, Finance and Administration
  • Mindy Freed, Executive Assistant to the Dean (Staff Co-chair)
  • Ajeet Gill, Graduate Student
  • Gabrielle Glenn, Prevention Coordinator, Center for Public Health Practice
  • Darryl Hood, Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences (Faculty Co-chair)
  • Elizabeth Hope, Division Coordinator, Health Services Management and Policy
  • Eben Kenah, Associate Professor, Biostatistics
  • Heather Kerr, BSPH Senior Academic Advisor
  • Tasleem Padamsee, Assistant Professor, Health Services Management and Policy
  • JaNelle Ricks, Assistant Professor, Health Behavior and Health Promotion
  • Todd Thobe, Assistant Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions

  • Amy L. Fairchild, PhD, MPH, Dean
  • Kellie Archer, Chair and Professor, Biostatistics
  • Jennifer Beard, Assistant Dean, Strategic Initiatives
  • Mike Bisesi, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Interim Chair and Professor, Environmental Health Sciences
  • Taylor Boyles, Director, Development
  • Misti Crane, Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • Ann Florentine, Assistant Dean, Finance and Administration
  • Mindy Freed, Executive Assistant to the Dean
  • Maria Gallo, Interim Chair and Professor, Epidemiology
  • Darryl Hood, Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences
  • Liz Klein, Interim Chair and Associate Professor, Health Behavior and Health Promotion
  • Bill Miller, Senior Associate Dean of Research and Professor, Epidemiology
  • Sharon Schweikhart, Interim Chair, Health Services Management and Policy
  • Qinghua Sun, Assistant Dean, Global Public Health and Professor, Environmental Health Sciences
  • Lisa Van Dyke, Resource Planning Analyst

  • APHA calls out police violence as a public health crisis
    American Public Health Association
    June 4, 2020
    The American Public Health Association denounces the use of violent methods by law enforcement against peaceful protesters. The current protests are the result of the American people rightfully demanding an end to the racial profiling by some police officers and a system of structured racism resulting in disproportionate harm to the health of individuals and communities of color.
  • Racism is an ongoing public health crisis that needs our attention now
    American Public Health Association
    May 29, 2020
    Racism attacks people’s physical and mental health. And racism is an ongoing public health crisis that needs our attention now!
  • ASPPH Statement: Racism is a Public Health Crisis
    Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health
    The members and staff of ASPPH pledge to accelerate our commitment to address racial injustice by teaching skills to advocate for the essential public health values of compassion, empathy, justice, and equity, by advancing research on the structures that shape health inequities, and applying that knowledge into practice. We will work with community partners to model the behaviors and values that we must demand of both our national leaders and those who serve in law enforcement. We will continue to support the recruitment and retention of a diverse group of faculty, students, and staff to achieve inclusive excellence.

  • In addition to our CCS counselor, Cody McMillen (.173), the university’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion has an in-house mental health counselor, Peter Oduwole (.3). Both are available to take appointments. You may contact Counseling and Consultation Services at any time by calling (614) 292-5766 to schedule. If calling after hours, please press 2 to be connected to a counselor. Daily consultations are also available through the Let’s Talk program Monday through Friday.
  • Student Legal Services provides confidential legal advice and representation for a wide range of legal issues that Ohio State students typically encounter and may need at this time.
  • If you witness or experience discrimination or any other inappropriate behavior during your academic experience, please report it to a CPH diversity representative:
    • Darryl Hood (.188)
    • Mindy Freed (.28)

Students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to report any instances of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct to the university's Office of Institutional Equity. You may contact them by phone at (614) 247-5838, email at equityatosu [dot] edu or visit them online.

  • You may access counseling services through the university’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is available to support all employees with a host of resources. EAP is available 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-678-6265 to talk to a live person or click here and type in the user name "buckeyes" to view their expanded services.
  • If you witness or experience discrimination or any other inappropriate behavior at work, please contact Joyce Burkholder (.38)

Students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to report any instances of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct to the university's Office of Institutional Equity. You may contact them by phone at (614) 247-5838, email at equityatosu [dot] edu or visit them online.

  1. Community Call: Creative Strategies to Address the Gendered Impact of COVID-19
    June 5th 3:00 p.m. (ET)
    With so many personal and professional changes to our lives as a result of the pandemic, more attention must be paid to how these changes disproportionately impact women, especially women of diverse backgrounds. During this community call, hosted by GWIMS, discuss with your colleagues creative solutions to the gendered impact of COVID such as caregiving and dependent care issues, working remotely, virtual practices and other topics.
  2. Examining Health Equity in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic: Reaffirming our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (Part 1)
    Thursday, June 11th, 12:00-1:30 p.m. (ET)
    The NADOHE Health Professions Chapter is exploring in a series of webinars the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the US and its disproportionate impact on marginalized groups and communities of color and the opportunities and challenges for diversity and inclusion practitioners.
    Register for the first webinar
  3. Supporting First-Generation High School Student Success during COVID-19
    This discussion was facilitated by pre-college units in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The discussion identifies challenges that have pre-college students have faced during COVID-19 and how units have worked to overcome challenges.
    Pre-recorded discussion can be found here.

News and Events

George Floyd mural
A time for action
Seven in 10 Americans willing to get COVID-19 vaccine, survey finds
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Racism and the body: Why racism is a public health crisis for Black Americans
woman sitting
‘A constant battle’: How being Black, experiencing racism harms your health
Amy Acton photo in Ohio statehouse
Public Health alums honored for leadership during pandemic, work in diversity and inclusion
Racism graphic
Want evidence of systemic racism? Look to public health
screenshot
What Does Racism As A Public Health Crisis Mean?
screenshot
As states reopen, black workers are at greater risk for COVID-19
lady justice
Understanding the inequitable burdens of COVID-19
Black Lives Matter
College leaders respond to racial injustices
wosu screenshot
Racism As A Public Health Crisis: What Does That Mean?