Nominations are currently being sought for the Levi Watkins Jr. Faculty Award and the Levi Watkins Jr. Student Award.
The faculty award is presented annually to at least one member of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine faculty or administration who has made outstanding contributions to the institution by fostering opportunities for underrepresented minorities in our educational and/or research programs. The award also recognizes individuals who have contributed to increasing diversity at VUSM.
The student award is presented annually to at least one graduate student and one medical student associated with VUSM who have made outstanding contributions to the institution by fostering a more diverse environment that is enriching, encouraging and embracing to all VUSM students, faculty and administration.
Please send letters of nomination for the faculty award and the atudent award to André L. Churchwell, senior associate dean for diversity affairs, to arrive no later than Sept. 28, 2015, at andre.churchwell@vanderbilt.edu.
Levi Watkins Jr., M.D., made significant contributions toward increasing opportunities for underrepresented minorities in the sciences. A distinguished physician and researcher, in 1966 Watkins became the first African American student to be admitted to VUSM. He graduated in 1970 and was selected as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He continued his training at Johns Hopkins and Harvard. Watkins embodied the attributes important in serving as a renowned role model for those who pursue careers in medicine and the biomedical sciences.
Save the Date: The Levi Watkins Jr. Lecture will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at noon in Light Hall, Room 208. More details to follow.
