Effective July 1, Sheritta Strong, M.D., will become the director of inclusion at UNMC, reporting to Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
Dr. Strong, an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry, became director of inclusion on an interim basis on Feb. 1. She now takes the role on a permanent basis.
Dr. Strong took over the new position, designed to help UNMC meet and expand its goals in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, at a time when the nation as a whole was continuing to come to grips with the longstanding effects of structural racism.
As protests were held over the deaths of Black men and persons of color — including George Floyd in Minneapolis and James Scurlock and Zachary Bearheels in Omaha — Dr. Strong was working with campus leaders and the UNMC community to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment that is receptive to the changes required to increase diversity, equity and inclusion.
“This is a pivotal moment in the history of race relations in the United States,” Dr. Strong said. “With initiatives such as a leadership listening sessions, campus participation in the nationwide ‘White Coats for Black Lives’ event, creating this position and prioritizing inclusive space on campus, UNMC has shown it is open to being part of a positive change. I could not step away from this position now, when so much still needs to be done and so many people at UNMC are working hard to be part of making things better for the entire community.”
Dr. Strong said she has been asked multiple times about where to start.
“To begin having these tough conversations about racism and inclusivity, I recommend the resources from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library,” she said. “To further these conversations, we all must have a basic understanding of the forces in place that oppress marginalized groups in our society.”
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., who appointed Dr. Strong in February, said the campus already has benefited from her work.
“Dr. Strong is an accomplished and passionate leader, and UNMC is fortunate to have her in this role,” he said. “We are a health care leader in the community, the state and the nation, and we need to lead in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as attacking health disparities in the communities that we serve. Dr. Strong is well positioned to help UNMC become a more inclusive campus that provides serious medicine and extraordinary care tothe people of the entire community.”
Congratulations Dr. Strong! Excellent choice!!
Congratulations Dr. Strong. Well deserved. I look forward to our continued working relationship on UNMC's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Congrats Sheritta! Well deserved.
Congratulations, Dr. Strong!!!!
This is great news! Congrats, Dr. Strong! The campus will continue to learn and grow with you in this role.
Awesome news!
Congratulations, Sheritta! Well deserved.
Congratulations, Dr. Strong. Thank you for your leadership!
Congratulations, Dr. Strong!!
Congratulations, Sheritta!!
Terrific news! Congratulations, Dr. Strong.
What wonderful news! Congratulations, Dr. Strong!!
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Dr Strong! So glad you will continue to lead in this role.
Congratulations, Dr. Strong, you are doing great work! so happy for you.
Wonderful news. Congratulations, Sheritta! Our campus and our community will benefit tremendously from your passion and drive.
Congratulations Dr. Strong!
This is great news. UNMC is very blessed to have such a passionate leader in this role.
So proud of you, Dr. Strong! Thanks for your phenomenal leadership and vision.
Congratulations my Daughter! I’m so proud of you!
Congratulations, Dr. Strong! Well deserved!
Congratulations Dr. Strong!👑 Well deserved and needed. UNMC, wise decision.
Congratulations Dr. Strong!! Earned & well deserved and needed. God’s continued blessings to you in your new position. Xoxo 😘
Congratulations, Dr. Strong. Your hard work, dedication and perseverance has not gone unnoticed. What a blessing to be in a position that you're so passionate about.
Congratulations on this permanent change. You are the perfect leader for the position.
Congratulations! Change The World!
Congrats Sheritta….To have seen you as a First Yr Med Student, this is really a delight to know the community continues to benefit from your hard work! High 5….Dr. Strong you earned it!
Congratulations. We are very fortunate to have you.
Having the pleasure of working side by side with Dr. Strong for a decade, I know her to be a leader with absolute integrity, the courage to lead change, and deep community roots from which she draws wisdom. She has skillfully led dialogues locally and nationally on addressing racism and diversity. She is the Director of Inclusion we need at UNMC!
Congratulations Dr. Strong. So proud of you!!!!!!
Congratulations Dr. Strong. This position could not have gone to a more passionate, deserving, compassionate and STRONG woman. I am so proud and honored to work with you!