Inclusion and diversity key to medical school’s success

As the president of Augusta University, I am proud to lead an institution whose faculty, staff and students work hard every day to provide leadership and excellence in teaching, discovery, clinical care and service to our community. And I am even more proud that this work is informed by our values of collegiality, compassion, excellence, inclusivity, integrity and leadership.

Today we honor the Medical College of Georgia’s historic commitment to one of those values: inclusivity. As a student at MCG, and throughout my career, my life and my work have been enriched by being part of communities that value and nurture inclusivity. Respect for diversity is not only just, it is an irreplaceable component of excellence and leadership.

As we commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the desegregation of our medical school, we honor the legacy of those leaders and students who took this important step, and rededicate ourselves to continuing their legacy of inclusion. We are grateful for their vision and look forward to our future as we continue to champion expanded access to medical education and outstanding clinical practice.

Brooks A Keel, PhD
President, Augusta University