WashU aims to be a diverse community fully committed to the principles of equity, fairness and inclusive excellence. We will pursue and value equity, diversity and inclusion in our research, learning, clinical and administrative environments so that we, collectively and individually, benefit from the rich perspectives and contributions of individuals from all backgrounds.

No matter our role, there’s always more we can do to explore new perspectives, rectify past harm, build new bridges and celebrate the rich diversity of Washington University and the wider world.

University mission

The mission of Washington University in St. Louis is to act in service of truth through the formation of leaders, the discovery of knowledge and the treatment of patients for the betterment of our region, our nation and our world.

At WashU, we generate, disseminate and apply knowledge. We foster freedom of inquiry and expression of ideas in our research, teaching and learning.

We aim to create an environment that encourages and supports wide-ranging exploration at the frontier of discovery by embracing diverse perspectives from individuals of all identities and backgrounds. We promote higher education and rigorous research as a fundamental component of an open, vibrant society. We strive to enhance the lives and livelihoods not only of our students, patients, and employees but also of the people of the greater St. Louis community and beyond. We do so by addressing scientific, social, economic, medical and other challenges in the local, national and international realms.

University Initiatives

Equity and inclusion don’t happen overnight. We have made an intentional commitment to laying the groundwork for our shared vision.

University EDI leaders

Scot R. Bemis

Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Institutional Equity

Kia Caldwell

Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Diversity

Cynthia M Copeland

Assistant Director & Associate Title IX Coordinator

Nicole Hudson

Assistant Vice Chancellor for the Academy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mark Kamimura-Jiménez

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dean of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion

Jessica W  Kennedy

Director & Title IX Coordinator

Director, Employee Relations

Sherree Wilson

Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

School of Medicine

Director, HR Compliance

Stephen Deaderick

Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

Julia Deems

Interim Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Olin Business School

Marcus Foston

Associate Professor Director of Diversity Initiatives

McKelvey School of Engineering

Adia Harvey Wingfield

Vice Dean of Faculty Development and Diversity Professor of Sociology

Arts & Sciences

Angela Smith

Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

School of Law

Vetta Thompson

Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Brown School

Sherree Wilson

Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

School of Medicine