U-M Pharmacy Adds Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy announces the addition of Regina McClinton, PhD, to its staff as the College’s first chief diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officer.

Regina McClinton is a certified diversity professional, committed to helping others in achieving their goals in intercultural competence and inclusion.  She earned her Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and began her career teaching biology. During her successful scientific career, Dr. McClinton recognized the need to increase intercultural competence. She committed herself to advancing this goal at Grand Valley State University and the greater Grand Rapids community.

Dr. McClinton has a long track record of making a difference in inclusion and diversity. She has worked with educators, religious organizations, and non-profits. Dr. McClinton has provided cultural awareness workshops to in-depth solutions in support of both individuals and organizations toward achieving their intercultural competence and inclusion goals.

“I’m very happy that we were able to recruit Dr. McClinton.  Her experiences as a graduate student, faculty member, and most importantly as a thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion during her career position her and the College for success,” comments James Dalton, PhD, dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “With the support of our existing DEI implementation committee, I’m confident she will help us make great strides toward our diversity, equity and inclusion goals.”

Dr. McClinton was founder and director of the Institute for Intercultural Teaching and Learning (IITL), and the Intercultural Training Certificate, ITC, both at Grand Valley State University. Dr. McClinton has served as a member and president of the Minority Affairs Committee for the American Society for Plant Biology, the Diversity Committee of Sigma Xi, The Research Society, and has been a leader in inclusion and diversity efforts at UC Berkeley, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, and Grand Valley State University. She currently serves on the executive board of The African Resource Center, and a member of the advisory board of the Bhutanese Organization of West Michigan.