Diversity & Inclusion

The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all of our members, and stands for inclusion and against injustice.  As part of that commitment, we continue to seek for ourselves – as professionals, as individuals, as the CPHS community – what more we can  to shape our College to be a welcoming environment for all and to assure equitable health care for all citizens. 

As health care professionals, we also have an important role in addressing health care disparities in our various communities.  To prepare future healthcare professionals to serve and address the unique needs of all populations, the CPHS incorporates cultural competency, healthcare disparity learning, and diverse learning experiences in our programs.  Our alumni, faculty, students, and partners work to better serve patients from all cultures and backgrounds, which has been exemplified in the response of the CPHS family to the global pandemic.

We realize that we are a part of the solution to a wider problem - we can and will do more. 

- Renae Chesnut, Dean
Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Chair

Anisa Hansen, professor of pharmacy practice (2021-23)
anisa.hansen@drake.edu

Faculty

Leslie Jackson, occupational therapy program chair and professor (2021-23)
leslie.jackson@drake.edu

Richelle Willams, assistant professor of athletic training (2021-23)
richelle.williams@drake.edu

Cassity Guiterrez, health sciences program chair and professor (2021-23)
cassity.guiterrez@drake.edu

Sally Haack, professor of pharmacy practice (2021-23)
sally.haack@drake.edu

Staff

Jessica Lang (2021-23)
jessica.lang@drake.edu

Alumni

Emmeline Paintsil, PH'20 (2021-23)
epaintsil@iarx.org

Students

Suzanne Shoemaker (HSCI)
suzanne.shoemaker@drake.edu

Anya Thigpen (HSCI)
anya.thigpen@drake.edu

Tiya Tito (OTD)
tiya.tito@drake.edu

Leah Bishop (PH)
leah.bishop@drake.edu

Esmeralda Flores (PH)
esmeralda.flores@drake.edu

Required Course Work/Experiences: 

• Culture Care Course - In this health sciences curriculum required course, students will learn about the necessary adaptations to healthcare delivery that reflect an understanding of the diversity between and within cultures. They will acquire both generic and specific cultural knowledge for the different patient populations through lectures, group discussions, case studies, projects, and a cultural competence and values self-assessment.
• Patient Advocacy Series - This series stems from the cultural competency component in the curriculum to prepare students to advocate for diverse groups. Includes healthcare simulations and topics on empathy, mental health disabilities, and health literacy.
• Cultural Competency Lab Series - Prepares students with the ability to respect, work effectively with, engage, and involve people from varying backgrounds and perspectives. Includes case studies and topics on health disparities, self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, cultural adaptability, and respect for others.
• Diversity Plans - Each program has developed a diversity plan that outlines the courses and curricular requirements throughout the curricula that develop cultural competence.
• Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) - All second-year pharmacy students participate in a 40-hour IPPE to learn how social determinants of health impact patient care. The students are involved in providing health care services in environments where patients are at risk for experiencing healthcare disparities.
• Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) - All fourth-year pharmacy students participate in either 5-week APPEs as they prepare for pharmacy practice. At least one of these APPEs must be located in a practice site where patients are at-risk for healthcare disparities. Example sites include Indian Health Services sites, Veterans Administration sites, rural healthcare sites, and other sites where socioeconomic factors place patients at risk for healthcare disparities.
• Community Health Screenings - Students from all programs participate in community health screenings. Occupational therapy students step off campus to volunteer for many disability organizations and at various events an estimated 1,000 times in one school year.

University-wide curriculum requirements meant to expose students to diverse learning experiences and foster responsible global citizenship:

• Bulldog Foundations
• Areas of Inquiry

Dual Degrees, Concentrations, Minors:

• PharmD/MS HIA (Master of Science in Health Informatics & Analytics)
• PharmD/JD (Law)
• PharmD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• PharmD/MPA (Master of Public Administration)
• PharmD/MSLD (Master of Science in Leadership Development)
• PharmD/MPH (Masters of Public Health - DMU)
• Global and Comparative Public Health Concentration
• Leadership Education and Development Concentration
• Diabetes Concentration
• Foreign Languages and Cultural Studies Minors

Electives/Other:

• Spanish for Health Care elective and weekly conversation hours
• LGBTQ Health: Issues, Impact, and Inclusion - J-Term Course

International:

• Annual J-Term Experience led by Professor Mahajan to rural India - students complete research projects while at the Pravara Institue of Medical Sciences 
  
  
• International Rotations - Practice sites in Australia, Belize, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, and South Africa
  
  Learn more about opportunities for International Students to attend our World-Class pharmacy program here.
  
  

All course syllabi in the CPHS include the following statement: 

The Drake University CPHS commits to leading the way to a healthy world in which our students and graduates can advocate for health equity. Toward that goal, the instructor(s) in this course support(s) an inclusive learning environment where diversity and individual differences are acknowledged, respected, appreciated, and recognized as a part of learning. Respect should be shown to every member of the classroom as all persons provide value through our unique perspectives as individuals. Perspectives expressed by individuals are their own and are not to represent any community. It is not expected that all individuals will agree with various worldviews expressed in the classroom. It is expected that respectful methods are utilized when issues of disagreement are discussed among class members.

The instructor(s) of this course will be open to listening to students' experiences and will work with students to find acceptable ways to process and address issues that arise in class.  Suggestions on how to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within this course in a meaningful way are encouraged. Individual concerns with DEI can be discussed with any CPHS faculty or staff member. If a specific issue requires action, the issue should be addressed with the instructor and department chair.

In addition, the university information and resources listed below may be utilized: 

• Drake Diversity Website: https://www.drake.edu/diversity/
• Equity Action Partner Information: https://www.drake.edu/diversity/initiatives/equity-action-partners/
• Reporting Avenues for Students, Faculty, & Staff: CPHS DEI Resources 2025

• Reisetter Scholarship
  Established by alumnus Brian Reisetter. Awarded to a student who enhances the diversity goals of the College. The award is renewable for up to 4 years.
• James F. Snyder Scholarship
  Presented to a student who enhances the diversity goals of the College.
• Walgreen Co. Diversity Scholarship
  Presented to a student who actively promotes pharmacy, exhibits professionalism, and promotes diversity.
• Verdun Scholarships
  Established by alumnus Patrick Verdun and spouse Annette Verdun. Awarded to a student who is from a rural community or enhances the diversity goals of the College. The award is renewable for up to 4 years.
• Mandel Family Scholarships
  Established by alumnus Craig Mandel and spouse Ellen Mandel.  Awarded to a student with a 3.0 GPA who increases the diversity goals of the College or is involved in campus or community service activities. 

• Opportunity Scholarships
  Awarded to entering students with financial need who are from educationally, economically, or socially disadvantaged backgrounds or whose enrollment will significantly contribute to the diversity of the student body.
• Walbridge Medical Mission/International Community Service Trip Travel Scholarship
  Established by alumnus Mary Walbridge. Awarded to students who complete a medical mission or international community service trip for which academic credit is not being received.
• Johansen International Experience Scholarships
  Established by alum Greg Johansen, these scholarships support pharmacy students who travel abroad as part of their academic program.
  

More scholarship information:

• Pharmacy
• Occupational Therapy
• Health Science

CPHS student organizations are dedicated to providing support and leadership opportunities for diverse students. These student organizations include:

• Student National Pharmacists Association (SNAPhA)
• American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) 
• Lambda Kappa Sigma (LKS) - Women's pharmacy organization
  
  University-wide student organizations dedicated to diversity and inclusion  - Crew Scholars, Flight Program, NAACP, International Student Association, and more. The full list can be found here.

The Des Moines Area Interprofessional Education Collaborative (DMAIPEC) promotes collaboration among students from multiple health care professions to assist them in developing the necessary skills to work in a team based health care environment. Training opportunities emphasize the roles and responsibilities of health care providers in providing ethical patient centered-care. Drake University, Des Moines University, Mercy College, Des Moines Area Community College, and Grand View University collaborate to provide introductory practice experiences for students.

BullD.O.G.S. in Healthcare is a summer program hosted by the Drake University that introduces high school students to careers in the health professions. The goal of the program is to educate them about opportunities in health sciences and inspire them to explore different pathways. Participants learn the importance of diversity in the healthcare field and partake in cultural competency exercises. Funding is available to students with financial needs. Learn More

• Gwendolyn Wilson Fowler graduated from the Des Moines College of Pharmacy, now known as the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, with a degree in chemistry and pharmaceuticals in 1930. She was the first Black woman licensed as a pharmacist in Iowa and the first Black woman to serve in the U.S. Foreign Service. She received the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award and was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1987.
• Wendell T. Hill, PH'50, eventually became Dean at Howard University. He was honored as a Drake University Weaver Medalist in 2007.
• Felix Gallagher, PH'00, is the CEO of PharmServ and was named a 2013 Des Moines Business Record's Forty under 40 Winner. 
• Huy Hoang-Nguyen was a finalist for the Next Generation Future Pharmacist Award in 2012.
• Penny Ferguson, PH'59, was recognized as a 2019 "Sage Over 70" by Des Moines Magazine for her community service and dedication to the growth of Des Moines.
• Leah Bishop, PharmD Candidate 2023, was one of five pharmacy students in the nation among 689 applicants to receive a 2020-2021 CVS Health Minority Health Scholarship. Read more.
• Gustavo Flores, PharmD Candidate 2024, was one of five student pharmacists in the nation among 489 applicants to receive a 2021-2022 CVS Health Minority Scholarship. Read more. 
• Aobakwe Malau, MAT candidate 2022, was awarded the 2021 Emerging Clinician Award. This award is granted to one Master of Athletic Training student in CPHS during the annual Pinning and Recognition Ceremony. Read More.
• Emmaline Paintsil, PH'18, became the Director of Professional Affairs for the Iowa Pharmacy Association in 2021.
• 2023 PharmD Candidates Jamie Rusan and Mahi Patel received the 2022 C. Boyd Granberg Student Excellence Scholarship Award from the College. Read More
• Esmeralda Flores, PharmD Candidate 2024, received a 2022 scholarship from the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative's Rx Scholarship Fund for an essay competition entry about pharmacist burnout in the independent pharmacy industry. Read More

Des Moines is #4 on Vocativ's list of America's Most LGBT-Friendly Cities after Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The city also earns high scores on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index.

Des Moines provides opportunities for cultural exploration and learning through events such as I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa, CelebrAsian, and the Latino Heritage Festival.

Additional College & University Resources:

College and University DEI Reporting Resources
Drake University's Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Drake University's Commitment to Non-discrimination and Accessibility
Drake University Title IX

Des Moines Resources:
Diversity & Inclusion Committee of the Greater Des Moines Partnership
Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Iowa
Iowa Asian Alliance
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
Iowa Department of Human Rights
Iowa Pride Network
Islamic Center of Des Moines
Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa
Latinos Unidos
NAACP Des Moines

For more information, contact the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at dupharm@drake.edu.