College Advances Equity and Inclusion in South Georgia

January 7, 2022

In support of the PCOM 2025 Strategic Plan, PCOM South Georgia has worked diligently over the last year to advance PCOM’S commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. And the College will continue to do the same in 2022.

PCOM’s commitment to advancing diversity is one of five goals of the College's strategic plan. Complementing that goal is the President's Council on Equity, Inclusion and Justice. Appointed by President Jay S. Feldstein, DO '81, in July 2020, the Council seeks to advance PCOM's commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

With those goals in mind, Jenn Mitchell, EdD, diversity and inclusion coordinator, works closely with students, faculty and staff to foster outreach opportunities within the campus and community. One upcoming focus is professional development to address students' barriers in the classroom.

“In partnership with PCOM Center for Teaching Support and Professional Development, we are launching a professional development series for faculty and staff on Universal Design for Learning and Neurodiversity (UDL) this year,” said Dr. Mitchell. “UDL will assist our faculty and staff in learning how to promote accessibility and reduce barriers and personalize learning.”

Another new initiative is Sisters in Medicine. Dr. Mitchell has partnered with Stacie Fairley, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology to cultivate a network that supports Black women in medical and graduate school and fosters success in medicine and healthcare, scholarly inquiry and service to local communities.

“I was born and raised in South Georgia,” Dr. Mitchell said. “I understand the beauty of learning from each other. What sets the South Georgia community apart is our community's willingness and courage to be open to learning about differences. I believe diversity, equity and inclusion should be core values of any organization. I believe in honoring the intersectionality of all people while creating inviting spaces to learn from each other and build more complex ways of being. More importantly, all marginalized identities must be centered and affirmed.”

Last year, Dr. Mitchell, along with the diversity council and Office of Diversity, celebrated events like National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Pronoun Day, World Aids Day and Diwali. The Office of Diversity also led 11 community outreach opportunities with a total of 69 students serving the PCOM South Georgia community. Community partners included The Moultrie Police Department, NAMI, United Way, Calico, Moultrie/Colquitt County Art Center, and Colquitt County Schools.

Learn more about diversity programs at PCOM South Georgia.

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