Mekbib Gemeda to step down as VP of Diversity and Inclusion
Mekbib Gemeda, EdD, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, will be stepping down from his role at EVMS effective Feb. 23. EVMS will begin a national search to fill this important position.
“Dr. Gemeda joined EVMS in 2013,” says Alfred Abuhamad, MD, President, Provost and Dean of the School of Medicine. “Under his guidance and leadership, EVMS has made meaningful strides towards becoming an even more diverse, equitable and inclusive educational institution. His influence has permeated the school — impacting students, residents, faculty and staff alike — and in the process has garnered widespread public recognition of our commitment to be an institution of learning that is welcoming to all.”
Examples of Dr. Gemeda’s impact abound.
For instance, he established institutional diversity, equity and inclusion training for staff. He also championed additions to the MD curriculum that emphasize the importance of social and structural determinants of health.
As part of the strategic plan that Dr. Gemeda led, EVMS established a community engagement infrastructure to ensure community input in all educational, patient care and research efforts. In this innovative initiative, the community advisory group interviews candidates for leadership positions, reviews seed grant opportunities and develops ideas for seed grants focused on health equity.
In another outgrowth of the strategic plan, Dr. Gemeda led an innovative pipeline partnership with Norfolk State University. The EVMS-NSU Research and training Incubator for Collaboration in Health equity (ENRICHe) advances collaboration on health equity research and workforce development. Dr. Gemeda also developed a partnership with the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities for student academic enrichment and health equity research.
Dr. Gemeda also helped create the Dr. L.D Britt Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative that provides longitudinal mentorship and support to premedical scholar students from Norfolk State University and Hampton University.
The Britt program is just one aspect of a robust student recruitment approach. Aided by the implementation of holistic review and bias training for the admissions committee, Dr. Gemeda’s efforts have resulted in a two-fold increase in the number of underrepresented minority students matriculating into the MD and Health Professions programs.
During Dr. Gemeda’s tenure, EVMS has received significant attention for its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2019, the school was awarded the Institutional Excellence Award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. In its most recent ranking, US New & World Report listed EVMS as number 39 in the category of most diverse medical school and number 12 in most African American students matriculating in the MD program.
His work also has impacted the health of the community. As founding chair of the Regional Cancer Disparities Collaborative, Dr. Gemeda brought together all of the health systems in the region, institutions of higher education and community partners for collaborative community outreach, education and early detection program.
Beyond his work at EVMS, Dr. Gemeda has been an active member of the community, serving on the boards of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, The Norfolk Airport Authority, The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and Teens With a Purpose. Dr. Gemeda received recognition of his efforts as recipient of the 2023 Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Tidewater Humanitarian Award.
“On a personal note,” says Dr. Abuhamad, “Dr. Gemeda is a true gentleman with high ethical and moral principles. His impact on EVMS and our community has been invaluable.”
Dr. Gemeda came to EVMS from New York University where he was Assistant Dean for Diversity Affairs and Community Health. He holds a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University.