Jerrihlyn McGee named vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Kansas Medical Center

The University of Kansas Medical Center announced that Jerrihlyn McGee, DNP, RN, CNE has been named vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion. McGee will begin her duties immediately.

In this newly created role, McGee will serve as the chief diversity officer and will lead and coordinate diversity-related initiatives for all three schools (health professions, medicine and nursing) and on all three campuses of the KU Medical Center (Kansas City, Salina and Wichita). She will develop and oversee programs, services and initiatives designed to enhance the organization's cultural competence and the successful recruitment, professional development and retention of students, faculty and staff from diverse and under-represented population groups. McGee also will chair the Diversity and Inclusion Cabinet.

"Dr. McGee has been an important part of our diversity initiatives, and she is locally and nationally known as an expert on workplace civility and cultural competency," said Robert D. Simari, executive vice chancellor of the KU Medical Center. "Her passion and experience will move KU Medical Center's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to the next level on all of our campuses."

"It is an honor," McGee said of her selection. "And I want the people of KU Medical Center and our community partners to know — I work for them. I think this new role will position us to collaborate with amazing people and groups to move us toward change. We plan to make intentional efforts to further diversify our workforce and student body to reflect the populations we serve. Through collaborative efforts, we will work to create fair, just and accessible opportunities for our urban and rural communities in health and education."

McGee earned a bachelor of science in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, and she earned a bachelor of science in nursing, a master's degree in organizational leadership and a doctor of nursing practice in leadership from the KU School of Nursing. She is currently a clinical assistant professor and program director for graduate leadership programs in the School of Nursing, and she will continue in both of these roles for the remainder of 2019. Beginning January 2020, McGee will scale back to a reduced faculty role in the School of Nursing to allow her to focus on her new duties.