PCOM Perspectives: Embedding DEI in Our Work

This month I sat down with Christy Finley, EdD, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at PCOM, to discuss updates on the College’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, including among others the launch of our student DEI certificate and the Student Diversity Diplomats program, a new initiative at PCOM Georgia to engage students in a range of diversity-related programs and events, both on campus and in the surrounding community. As laid out in our strategic plan, PCOM 2025: Path to Greater Excellence, DEI is a core component of who we are – and strive to be – as an institution. My discussion with Dr. Finley highlighted the ways in which we are working to embed DEI in our curriculum, policies, processes and practices, most notably the numerous DEI workshops available to faculty and staff throughout the year; Diversity/LGBTQIA Councils; informal colleague resource groups such as Supporting One Another as we Rise (SOAR); and the annual Opportunities Academies available on each campus location. Our College has made and continues to make great strides in our DEI efforts, but it’s people that make diversity, equity and inclusion happen. This important work must be backed up by commitment and action, and through the work of Dr. Finley and so many others, we are doing just that.