Kyaien Conner, PhD, MPH, LSW, associate professor in the Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, has been selected as the special assistant to the dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) on diversity and inclusion. Her appointment to this new position will begin in the spring.
In this role, Conner will support the Dean’s Office in coordinating CBCS diversity and equal opportunity programs, policies, and trainings. She will serve as a liaison between the USF Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity and CBCS, and as a point of contact for CBCS faculty and staff. She will also hold positions on the Dean’s Council and the CBCS Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Conner, who has a record of commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, is uniquely suited to carry out this critically important work. She is the inaugural chair of the Faculty Senate Council on Racial Justice; a member of the USF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council; and the CBCS representative on the USF Health Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice Racial Diversity Taskforce. On the state level, Conner assisted in writing a bill to restructure the Florida Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, which was signed into law in July.
This position is highly aligned with Conner’s research, scholarship, and personal values and mission. Conner was recently recognized as the Outstanding Black Faculty Member of the Year for 2020-2021 by the USF Black Faculty and Staff Association and was honored as USF Game Champion for her diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the Tampa area. She has also been highly successful in being awarded funding to address health disparities, health equity, and access to care for underrepresented populations.