Rasch named fellow in inaugural class of Academy of Diversity Nursing Leaders

Professor Randolph F.R. Rasch is among 175 fellows in the inaugural class of the Academy of Diversity Nursing Leaders.

The academy honors those who “have demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of nursing education, research, practice, policy, or administration as it relates to issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI).” In addition, Rasch also recently received the “Lifetime Achievement in Education and Research Award” from the Association of Black Nursing Faculty, which honors someone who has made a significant contribution to nursing and/or health care of African American clients.

“I was very surprised, and humbled, to be recognized in this inaugural class of fellows of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (FADLN) and to be included among such a distinguished group of leaders, including many who are no longer with us,” Rasch said.

Rasch is a former dean of the Michigan State University College of Nursing, who came to East Lansing in 2015 after having served as a professor and previous department chairperson in the School of Nursing at University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He also held various professor and director positions at Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing from 2002 to 2010 as well as UNC Chapel Hill.

He has previously served on a statewide committee addressing racial disparities in marginalized communities and been featured in my scholarly journals and publications addressing several topics, including diversity in health care.

“Dr. Rasch’s commitment to advancing the health of all people, including African American clients and patients, has been a significant and sustained history of advocacy,” Dean Leigh Small said. “Induction as a distinguished fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN) and the Lifetime Achievement Award stand as national recognition of his work. The College of Nursing is proud to have Dr. Rasch join this inaugural class of fellows.”