Baskin USM Nominee for IHL Diversity Educator of the Year Award

Thu, 03/03/2022 - 02:27pm | By: David Tisdale

Dr. Lawanda Baskin, assistant professor in and director of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) College of Nursing and Health Professions’ School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice, was recognized Feb. 17 during a virtual presentation as the university’s nominee for the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) IHL Diversity Educator of the Year award. The annual recognition is based on teaching, research, publication, and community service demonstrating commitment to the ideals of the award.

Along with her teaching, research and administrative duties at the university, Dr. Baskin is actively engaged in developing the Rural Scholars Program, a collaboration between Alcorn State University and USM to expand diversity and inclusion by increasing recruitment of underserved rural students. She was also selected to serve as part of the USM’s founding Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission & Vision working group.

During her tenure as a member of the Alcorn State University faculty, she spearheaded an annual program commemorating World AIDS Day, which increased awareness on campus and in the community regarding this critical topic that disproportionately affects underrepresented populations. Additionally, her healthcare practice in rural Adams County, Mississippi provides underrepresented and underserved populations with high quality, ethical patient service.

Dr. Baskin serves on the Diversity Committee for the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties; internationally, she has presented her research on the importance of measuring cultural awareness of nursing students at the Transcultural Nursing Society’s annual conference.

“Dr. Baskin’s efforts to advance diversity and inclusion through her scholarship, teaching, and service are evident,” said USM President Rodney D. Bennett. “She is not only an asset to The University of Southern Mississippi, but her engagement in diversity initiatives at state-wide, national, and international levels has made and will continue to make significant impacts in her field.”

Dr. Lachel Story, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, concurred with President Bennett. “Dr. Baskin has been a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the College as we actualize our values and make advances toward our vision,” Dr. Story continued. “She has also worked with professional groups to move these efforts forward on the national level. It means a great deal to have Dr. Baskin recognized for her impactful work in this area among the many faculty at Southern Miss who are doing similar work.”

Dr. Baskin is working on several collaborative projects with colleagues across campus to improve diversity and equity efforts on campus and in the local community. She also continues seeking out opportunities to grow in knowledge regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, including through her participation in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Diversity Leadership Institute.

“I consider it an honor and a privilege to be selected as USM’s nominee for the IHL Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award,” Dr. Baskin said. “Knowing that a committee of my peers thought I was worthy of such an award, with the support of President Bennett, is truly humbling. I am hopeful that my work with diversity, equity, and inclusion will benefit our faculty, staff, and most importantly our students here at The University of Southern Mississippi. 

“There is still much work to be done, so for me this is just the beginning.”

For information about the USM College of Nursing and Health Professions, visit https://www.usm.edu/nursing-health-professions/index.php.