Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement: Dr. Clara M. Spatafore
On October 1, 2014 it was my great honor to join the faculty at VCU School of
Dentistry. August of 2015 I started attending classes on the Monroe Park campus at
VCU. This was a major turning point in my tenure at VCU SOD. Up until that time I
was unsure that I had made the right decision selling my practice and going into
academics. That undergrad course changed the direction of my life. The first thing I
noticed while attending the course, Italian Language 101, was the diversity in the
classroom. The students and professor were all from varied backgrounds.
Countries of origin ranged from Italy to Somalia. I have taken courses almost every
semester since that time. Over time what I came to appreciate was the unique
opportunity VCU allows students from every background, giving them the chance to
excel, and a path toward excellence. Many of the students at VCU are from non-
traditional backgrounds, the first in their families to attend college, originate from
countries all over the world, bring together different cultures and experiences, yet
form a harmonious, productive environment where they mesh together to have
great educational and social experiences. The adjectives that best describe our
Monroe Park campus are inclusive, productive and diverse.
My goal as Dean of the VCU School of Dentistry would be to follow the core
values expressed in the mission statement of VCU:
“Deeply engrained core values of diversity, inclusion and equity that
provide a safe, trusting and supportive environment to explore, create, learn
and serve.”
When reviewing the guidelines set forth by VCU for this diversity equity and
inclusion statement it becomes necessary to briefly address each one.
1. Commitment: The Dean and faculty of the dental school, as well as the
Admissions Committee must commit time, effort and finances to enlightening
students from all backgrounds, especially those whose situation may not
provide the opportunities for educational enlightenment, the benefits of a
career in dentistry or dental hygiene. This needs to start at the grade school
level and continue through their college career. One my first endeavors as
Interim Dean was to establish and identify funding the “Superstars
Endowment” for the Admissions Committee. This fund allows the committee
to offer tuition assistance to a “diverse” deserving student who is applying to
our dental school. So far we have over a million dollars in the fund.
2. Creation: At this point in time the Admissions Committee participates in the
Pipeline programs through VCU. However creating novel ideas, utilizing
students, junior faculty, and alumni as a think tank and developing new
pathways to attract a diverse student population as well as diverse candidates
for faculty positions would be something I feel would be a first step.
3. Enriching: As the interim Dean, and at the SOD before I became dean, we
have encouraged participation in clubs, social events, written blogs,
celebrated diverse cultures and schools of thought. I feel this is an area where
we can continue to improve, continuing to practice “inclusivity in a pluralistic
society”
4. Exposure/Production: At the SOD we continue to expand our Public Health
research component. We are developing programs to educate students on the
specific needs of all populations including adding a degree programs and
classes in public health and awareness of the needs of all individuals inclusive
of their age, race, background, and orientation.
5. Leadership: We currently have a Director of DEI, we participate in all campus
activities related to DEI. The leadership team is composed of a diverse group
of individuals from all walks of life, each of whom bring a different
perspective from their past experiences. Leading by example is in my
opinion the best method of showing the students and faculty how important
diversity, equity and inclusion is to the SOD.
6. Mentoring: At the SOD we are lucky to have a diverse faculty who mentor our
students, we have pathways for students to discuss issues with a faculty
member or a Dean regardless of the problem. Since I became interim Dean
we are putting into place a mentoring program for faculty. The program is in
the infancy stages, but should prove to be valuable for all young faculty. I
personally have mentored female dental students and faculty from all
backgrounds, especially those interested in the military, teaching or
alternative careers in dentistry.
7. Outreach/Service: Our school including faculty and students participate in
several outreach programs including CARITAS and Missions of Mercy, as well
as Homeless Connect. This is an area that is dear to my heart and I have
participated in Homeless Connect and CARITAS here at VCU. I have also been
involved with Operation Safety Net, treating the homeless population of
Pittsburgh along with Catholic Charities, as well as being a mentor to children
whose parents were incarcerated.
8. Recognition: Since becoming interim dean I have established the Dean’s Staff
Awards, but have also nominated several faculty and staff for awards at the
school over the years. I feel it is important for women and others who are
deserving from all backgrounds to be promoted for career or academic
achievements. I also established a biweekly newsletter recognizing small and
large achievements by faculty and staff.
My parents are first generation in this country, my sisters and I were brought up in a
very diverse, inclusive neighborhood and environment. One of my dad’s favorite
saying was “a little respect goes a long way”. That is how I live my life, I have always
given back to the community with my time, my expertise and my money. But since
coming to VCU I realize as an educational facility we need to do more. As a school
we need to identify, enable and empower certain populations. It is no longer
enough to throw money at programs and have endless rhetoric, a plan of action is
required. We are embarking on a new Strategic Plan at the SOD. Each section of
that plan will address issues of diversity equity and inclusion. We are on the right
path, but much more needs to be done.
