After an extensive national search, Fadie Coleman, PhD, has been named Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s (HSDM) new Assistant Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB).
“Dr. Coleman is an accomplished educator, researcher, and leader who is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dean William Giannobile. “I’m confident she will bring great insights and expertise to advancing important diversity initiatives at HSDM.”
Coleman comes to HSDM from Boston University’s School of Medicine (BUSM) where she is assistant professor and director of the Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Sciences program, the school’s only degree-granting undergraduate program in the biomedical sciences. She received her B.A. from Boston University, her M.A. in Biology from Harvard University, and her doctorate from the BUSM Department of Microbiology. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Department of Pathology/Transfusion Medicine.
She is trained in both the biomedical sciences and science pedagogy. Drawing on her own experience in the field, she has mentored students from underrepresented backgrounds and encouraged them to succeed in the biomedical/STEM workforce. She has also served in multiple leadership roles within BU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, most recently serving as chair of the Faculty and Staff of Color Community Network. Her scientific work has been published widely in peer-reviewed journals, and she is the recipient of numerous awards for scientific research, teaching, and mentoring excellence including a National Research Service Award Fellowship from the National Institutes of Health, and the 2021 Metcalf Award—Boston University’s highest award for teaching excellence.
At HSDM, Coleman will oversee the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and promote increased recruitment, retention, and advancement of underrepresented students, faculty, and staff. She will serve as a key advisor on community climate and cultural issues and direct the implementation of recommendations from the HSDM climate survey and strategic planning efforts.
"I am excited about joining the HSDM community,” Coleman said. “The value you put on embracing diversity and the life-giving qualities it possesses are not done in vain. As an institution you have a well-established legacy of doing great things that embrace diversity and inclusion, and I believe as an inclusive community your accomplishments will exceed that which is already exceptional."
In an announcement about Dr. Coleman’s appointment, Dean Giannobile also recognized the work of the search committee led by Dr. Vicki Rosen, as well Dr. Brian Swann who has served as interim assistant dean for DIB. Coleman will join HSDM on July 1, 2022.
