DMU makes diversity a priority in attracting and retaining employees; in creating an inclusive work environment; in its marketing and advertising; in raising awareness through education and communication about the importance of diversity and inclusion; and in supporting diversity in the community. For those efforts, the University was among the recipients of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s 2014 Inclusion Award, which honors employers who have championed diversity and inclusion at their organizations and in the community. DMU won the award in the medium-sized business category.
A past recipient of the Des Moines Human Rights Business and Industry Award, DMU has a mission, values and strategic plan that emphasize inclusiveness, cultural competency among students and employees and a commitment to community service. The University incorporates aspects of diversity in its curriculum and campus events.
DMU’s strong and growing global health program offers students, employees and community members multiple opportunities to learn about other cultures as they serve patients in underserved parts of the world. The University also offers a rural medical pathways program designed to increase access to care in rural Iowa as it enlightens participating students on the unique aspects of rural practice.
In addition, the DMU Clinic is home to La Clinica de la Esperanza, a partnership between the University and UnityPoint Health. La Clinica offers primary care services to thousands of Latino immigrants and citizens annually, increasing access, enhancing the patients’ quality of life and reducing health care disparities.
The award ceremony was held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to celebrate the diversity and inclusion efforts within the business community. Accepting the award was DMU President Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., the nation’s first African American woman to serve as president of a medical/health sciences university.
