DEIA Committee

The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility/Anti-racism (DEIA) Committee is dedicated to developing actionable and sustainable recommendations, guidance, leadership and resources in support of the School’s commitment to building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution.

Our mission is to promote diversity initiatives within the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy through support and development of equity and inclusion practices and education aimed to eliminate discrimination, disparities and inequity.

Values

  • Education
  • Personal Growth
  • Advocacy
  • Inclusion
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Justice
  • Respect
  • Community Engagement

Charges

The DEIA Committee shall advise the School of Pharmacy with respect to:

  • Developing specific goals and objectives that support the school of pharmacy’s DEIA mission
  • Reviewing and recommending practices or processes to promote the school of pharmacy’s DEIA mission
  • Promoting and providing guidance and support for ongoing DEIA educational and personal growth opportunities for students, faculty, and staff
  • Identifying activities to further DEIA initiatives within the School of Pharmacy
  • Serving as a point of contact for coordination and collaboration on individual courses within the school of pharmacy

Committee Statement

It is the shared responsibility of The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and its community to uphold the foundational principles of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism. All students, faculty and staff have a moral and professional obligation to create an environment respectful of diversity, including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, age, culture, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, religion and ability.

Our goal is to value and support the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our students and community to achieve an environment for all to thrive in. Through a culture of collaboration and respect, we can continue to grow, develop and excel in an ever-changing society and healthcare community.

If you have experienced or have witnessed bias or behaviors that do not align with this statement, please contact one of the individuals below in order for us to continue to promote inclusive excellence:

Dr. Julie Olenak

Nesbitt School of Pharmacy

Stark Learning Center SLC 117C
julie.olenak@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4288

Elizabeth Leo

Presidents Office

Weckesser Hall 204
elizabeth.leo@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-7788

Dr. Philip Ruthkosky

Student Affairs

Passan Hall 308
philip.ruthkosky@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4108

LynnMarie Shedlock

Human Resources

10 East South Street Suite A
lynnmarie.shedlock@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-2034

If you wish to report incidents of harassment and discrimination (including civil rights offenses, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, relationship violence, retaliation, and stalking or bullying) to the University, please use the anonymous Discrimination and Harassment Reporting Form.

Discrimination and Harassment Reporting Form

Events

Check out the latest DEIA events and Wilkes Pharmacy updates by following us on Instagram!

Follow Wilkes Pharmacy on Instagram Instagram link

2024 DEIA Symposium

Fostering Inclusivity: The Impact of Inclusive Language in Healthcare, featuring keynote speaker Dr. John Allen, University of Florida

CVS Lunch and Learn

Essentials of Cultural Competency. Nov. 28, 2023

CVS Lunch and Learn

Essentials of Cultural Competency. November 28, 2023

Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Symposium

Exploring the Drivers of Structural Racism on Health Inequities and Advocating for Change. March 22, 2022

Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Symposium

Exploring the Drivers of Structural Racism on Health Inequities and Advocating for Change. March 22, 2022

March 16, 2024
DEIA Symposium - Fostering Inclusivity: The Impact of Inclusive Language in Healthcare

Keynote Speaker: Dr. John Allen from University of Florida

Nov. 28, 2023
CVS Lunch and Learn: Essentials of Cultural Competency
May 2, 2023
Faculty, Staff, and Student Presentation: Inclusive Language Matters
April 4, 2023
Faculty Development Teaching for Equity: Leading from the Classroom
March 25, 2023
Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Symposium

Impact of Implicit Bias in Healthcare

Keynote Speaker: Dan Kimbrough

March 22, 2022
Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Symposium

Exploring the Drivers of Structural Racism on Health Inequities and Advocating for Change

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Vicki T. Sapp

Additional Information

The following training resources have been compiled by the DEIA Committee for Wilkes students, faculty and staff.

The Committee shall be composed of volunteer faculty, staff, and students who report to the dean.

Dr. Troy Lynn Lewis

Associate Professor
Pharmacy Practice

Stark Learning Center 334E
troy.lewis@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4977

Justin Collins

Director of Admissions and Student Affairs
Nesbitt School of Pharmacy

Stark Learning Center 117D
justin.collins@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4122

Dr. Jon Ference

Dean
Nesbitt School of Pharmacy

Stark Learning Center 117
jonathan.ference@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4271

Dr. Kimberly Ference

Associate Professor
Pharmacy Practice

Stark Learning Center 115E
kimberly.ference@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-2048

Rob Knight Jr.

Coordinator Admissions and Student Affairs
Nesbitt School of Pharmacy

Stark Learning Center 117B
robert.knight@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4298

Dr. Dominick Trombetta

Associate Professor
Pharmacy Practice

Stark Learning Center 331 A
dominick.trombetta@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4324

Jada Acheampong

P1 Student Representative
 

Lizzy Franco

P2 Student Representative
 

Makenzie Psarakis

P3 Student Representative
 

John Hannaway

P4 Student Representative