Nola Reporter

Name: Bennetta Horne, PhD
Title: Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs

Where you’ll find her: School of Medicine

Years at Tulane: 19

“I am pretty much ‘med school mama,’” said Bennetta Horne, the School of Medicine’s Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Horne is known as the go-to contact for underrepresented students in medicine — but she also advocates for residents, faculty and staff, too.

Horne, whom students frequently cite as a mentor in their med school years, sees students as just as much of an inspiration for her. “I do a lot of work within admissions in terms of recruitment, particularly underrepresented students, but also all students. And it's really my passion. I love students and I love helping students succeed.”

Horne guides college students through the admission process and supports them throughout their time at the School of Medicine. No matter where a future medical student is in life, or what background they come from, the road to medical training can be long, difficult and fraught with barriers such as application fees. In some ways, she said, it’s “probably harder to get in medical school than it is to complete medical school,” but “because Tulane has done so much work in opening up the possibility of medical education to so many, we’re able to help students who might not otherwise get to us.”

Horne, who recently earned a PhD in higher education administration, was also awarded the inaugural President’s EDI Excellence Award at President Michael A. Fitts’ State of the University address.

“She’s built her career on seeing the possibilities, helping countless students fulfill their dreams of attending and succeeding at Tulane’s School of Medicine,” Fitts said on Dec. 8.

“We have to create an equitable environment for everyone that comes in,” Horne emphasized, noting that she wants med students and residents to thrive and enjoy their years on campus. “So, I don't want to just get you into medical school. I want to get you out of medical school, too.

“I come here with a sense of purpose every day,” Horne added, “to make sure that we are intentional about everything we do and that we're working to make change at all levels, not just from the bottom up, but from the top down, and everywhere in-between.”

Most memorable day(s) on the Tulane campus: “White Coat ceremonies, Match Days and graduation days are my favorite days.”

Special object/something unique in my work space: “My elephant collection!”

Best advice received: “Work hard, pray about everything, and trust God!”

Amazing experience I want to have: “Now that I’ve completed my terminal degree (PhD), I’m looking forward to participating in ‘hooding’ some of the new doctors during the upcoming Commencement exercises.”

 

Nominated by: Alicia Bilich

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Original source can be found here.