Diversity, equity, and inclusion overview

Collage of 18 different people's faces

Together we are able to create new worlds, restore, and bridge our paths to allow everyone with a place to thrive.

Message from the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

"Do work that matters, vale la pena." —Gloria Anzaldua

Elizabeth Martinez-Podolsky
Elizabeth Martinez-Podolsky

Welcome and Bienvenidxs to the College of Veterinary Medicine! I am so proud to serve as your first director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The CVM community has worked hard to get us to this moment of commitment and planning for a more equitable future. Our students, staff, faculty, and community partners are what make us one of the best CVM programs, and our intentional commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is what will continue to take us forward. No matter how you come into connection with our college, there is a space for you to strengthen your skill sets, get involved, or to be in community with others. I welcome everyone to get engaged and connected to our many ongoing DEI efforts.

 

Elizabeth (she/hers) is a Chicana first generation, college graduate with degrees in Anthropology and Higher Education. She has worked with BIPOC students, LGBT+ students, and student Veterans and on many other DEI efforts within higher education.

Our guiding values
 

We provide an environment and climate that fosters safety and academic and professional success for the CVM community and stakeholders.

We actively seek to intentionally build a campus community that reflects the diversity of our society and positions that diversity to effect change.

We understand that our world is a diverse and complex place; our faculty, staff, and students need to demonstrate cultural competence to be effective as citizens and professionals serving a multicultural and global community.

We believe that positive innovation is most likely to occur when multiple perspectives are present to produce knowledge and offer high quality education. Excellence is inclusive.

CVM is well-regarded nationally and internationally for its innovative, high quality research and education; we are well-positioned to provide leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion among our disciplinary, institutional, and professional peers.

We demonstrate that diversity, equity, and inclusion goals are an ongoing institutional priority through a regular process of refinement, assessment and accountability.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion

The College of Veterinary Medicine shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.