Diversity & Inclusion

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is charged with advancing UTMB as the educator, employer and provider of choice by promoting an inclusive environment that actively values diversity among staff, faculty, students, patients and the broader community. The office’s mission is to integrate inclusion and excellence into the core aspects of the university's work through thought leadership, consulting and service delivery.

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Diversity Council
Employee Resource Groups
Affinity Groups

Diversity Council

The Diversity Council represents the cornerstone of the diversity and inclusion process. The council is a chartered committee responsible for leading and supporting programs and practices that reinforce the goals outlined in the Diversity and Inclusion strategic plan. Its mission is to work together to harness the broad spectrum of ideas, experiences and voices that characterize the UTMB community.

Diversity Home Page

  • About the Council

    The Diversity Council is an institutional think-tank that provides oversight and implementation accountability for the various aspects of UTMB's diversity and inclusion strategic plan. Council members are representational thought leaders who drive the institution’s efforts based on a clear charter and operating with the full and visible support of senior executive leadership.

    The council is organized into four subcommittees that mirror UTMB's operational structure. Each subcommittee is led by two co-chairs and council members who serve a one- to three-year term.

    Co-chairs work to lead the assigned scope of work within the current fiscal year term. Each co-chair may be appointed for a one- or two-year term and may be re-appointed for up to three yearly terms. Terms begin, once appointed, at the beginning of each fiscal year. Throughout the term, the chairs will work with the subcommittee to provide a progress report to the council and executive leadership liaison, indicating the outcomes of the council term, as well as make recommendations for future programs and initiatives for consideration.

  • Leadership Commitment

    UTMB has a time-honored history of leading and supporting initiatives and practices that not only highlight our commitment to diversity but the necessity of diversity and inclusion to the university's character and success.

    A fully committed and active Diversity Council enables us to continue to promote a culture in which diversity and inclusion is woven into all we do: in our teaching, in our research and in the type of individuals we select as our students, staff and faculty. This commitment is rooted in the understanding that UTMB charts the best course for the future by harnessing a diversity of views, ideas and perspectives.

    Timothy J. Harlin, DSc, MBA, FACHE
    Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, UTMB Health System

    Vivian D. Kardow, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
    Vice President, Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Charles P. Mouton, MD, MS, MBA
    Executive Vice President, Provost and Dean, School of Medicine

    Cheryl A. Sadro, CPA, MSM
    Executive Vice President and Chief Business and Finance Officer

  • Council Members

    Leah Jacobs
    Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Human Resources

    Dr. Ben Raimer
    President Ad Interim, UTMB Health

    Jennifer Barnett
    School of Nursing
    Faculty Senate

    Jill Bryant-Bova
    Quality Management
    Women’s Resource Group

    Lycia Champagne
    Area Health Education Centers
    Ability Resource Group

    Tilly Clark
    President’s Office
    Employee Advisory Council

    Son Quyen Dinh
    School of Medicine
    Student

    Brionna Davis-Reyes
    Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
    Student

    Beverly Echols
    Correctional Managed Care

    Kisanet Emahazion
    School of Nursing
    Student

    Phaedra Goffney
    Human Resources

    Karen Gross
    Supplier Diversity Programs

    Martha Livanec
    Patient Services

    Thomas Mendez
    School of Nursing

    Victor Moreno
    Faculty Relations

    Amy Ngo
    School of Health Professions
    Student

    Jose Rojas
    School of Health Professions

    Katherine Rosen
    Enrollment Services
    EMERGE Resource Group

    Vanetta Stromile
    Hospital Galveston
    Veterans Resource Group

    Ashley Thibodeaux
    Internal Investigations and Title IX

    Alfredo Torres
    Faculty Affairs and Development

    Emma Tumilty
    Institute for Translational Sciences
    Post Docs

    Marquelyn Ward
    Human Resources


Contact:    culture@utmb.edu      (409) 747-4862

Helpful Resources


This video (James E. White, April 2015) represents the views and opinions of the original creators. UTMB does not promote or endorse any product referenced.

Employee Resource Groups

Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, member-led groups that share a common purpose, interest, background or activity and are aligned with UTMB's mission and business objectives. Members of these groups help to create an inclusive workplace by actively embracing the varying perspectives and experiences of others and promoting our core values.

Ability Resource Group

Veterans Resource Group

EMERGE Resource Group

Women's Resource Group

Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups provide a platform for staff, faculty and students with a common interest or purpose to participate in activities and to interact socially. UTMB also has a number of departments and offices throughout the university committed to advancing a culture of diversity and inclusion.

To register an Affinity Group, please refer to these documents:

Affinity Groups Available at UTMB

Affinity Groups

  • LGBTQ+ Allies in Medicine

    LGBTQ+ Allies in Medicine strives to create more inclusive working and learning environments at UTMB. The group provides training programs on topics such as gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, romantic orientation and other areas of focus on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. For more information, click here or contact Hayley Rogers.

  • UTMB Administrative Professionals Association

    The UTMB Administrative Professionals Association (APA) is a diverse group of employees dedicated to promoting personal and professional development. The APA provides a team-oriented environment and access to a network of support staff located across the university. Those who join will have the opportunity to participate in volunteer activities at UTMB and in our communities. The APA is open to anyone currently employed or retired from UTMB in an administrative professional position.

    Click here to learn more about this group or to complete a membership application.

  • UTMB Bow Tie Social Club

    The UTMB Bow Tie Social Club (BTSC) is a medical history interest group that meets once a month to enjoy a presentation and discussion facilitated by a faculty member or student. A full dinner is served, and all attendees are required to wear a bow tie. Click here for more information.

  • UTMB Coed Softball League

    The UTMB Co-Ed Softball League has been in existence for more than 30 years. The league begins playing in mid-May and runs until mid-July. Games are held every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the fields across from the Alumni Field House. All UTMB students, staff, faculty and contract workers (including spouses, siblings and children age 18 and older) are invited to form a team or to join a current team. For more information, see the UTMB Coed Softball League Facebook page or contact Scott Saxon.

  • UTMB Cycling Team

    The mission of this team is to promote exercise through the sport of cycling and to represent UTMB at local biking and charity events. The group is composed of riders at all skill levels and includes students, staff and faculty.

    Members of the UTMB Cycling Team regularly participate in training rides and community sponsored events on the weekends. In 2014, the group was recognized as a top fundraising team at the Bike Around the Bay two-day ride. If you are interested in cycling to stay in shape and would like to take part in group training rides or long-distance events, contact Victor Moreno. You may also visit the UTMB Cycling Team Facebook page for more information.

  • UTMB Osler Club

    The Osler Club at UTMB serves as a forum to study the life and teachings of Sir William Osler, the history of medicine, and the medical humanities. Osler believed that physicians should have a strong background in science, that physicians should always do what is right and best for individual patients, and that medical care should be delivered humanely. The group convenes bimonthly and attendance is open to all members of the UTMB community. For more information, click here.

  • UTMB Postdoctoral Association

    The UTMB Postdoctoral Association (PDA) aims to enhance the experience of all postdoctoral scholars and fellows and to help them fully capitalize on the unique opportunities available during this pivotal phase of career development. The group promotes interactions across departments to foster multidisciplinary scientific exchange and collaborative initiatives. Other activities include career development seminars, social hours, volunteer opportunities and the annual Postdoc Appreciation Week. To find out how you can get involved in the PDA, click here or email pdassoc@utmb.edu.

Departments/Offices Supporting Diversity and Inclusion at UTMB