Pasadena, CA – August 9, 2022 – The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine today announced the naming of Kimberly Freeman as Assistant Dean for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID). Freeman will assist with the development, implementation, and oversight of the EID strategy across the school. She will operate from within the Office of EID – led by Lindia Willies-Jacobo, MD, FAAP, Senior Associate Dean for Admissions and EID – and in partnership with the school’s Offices of Admissions, Student Affairs, Community Engagement, and Academic and Community Affairs.
In her role, Freeman will work to further develop the school’s strong commitment to imbed EID into all school programs, policies, and practices. This work not only reaches students, curriculum, admissions, faculty, staff, recruitment, and the local community but also beyond in support of the school’s mission to improve the health and well-being of patients and communities through health equity advocacy.
“We are excited to welcome Kimberly Freeman in her assistant dean role to support the school’s initiatives around equity, inclusion, and diversity, core principles rooted in the foundation of the school,” said Mark Schuster, MD, PhD, founding dean and chief executive officer. “Her background and experience will help us advance our work in training compassionate, person-centered physicians who are poised to make a difference in the communities they will serve.”
“Kimberly has in-depth experience and success in creating and implementing strategic EID plans and initiatives in higher education settings,” said Dr. Willies-Jacobo. “Her experience is invaluable, and we look forward to her collaboration and contribution across our school.”
Freeman brings expertise that span the intersection of business, government, and higher education and their policies and programs impacting California’s most vulnerable communities, along with her nearly twenty years of complementary experience. She comes to the school from the University of Southern California’s Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences where she served as the Associate Dean and Chief Diversity Officer. With her passion for public service, she also serves on the boards of Community Partners, the Los Angeles County Real Estate Management Commission, and the African American Board Leadership Institute. She is a member of the Pacific Council on International Relations and The Links, Inc., and an American Marshall Memorial Fellow, which allowed her to travel to Europe and remain active as a member of a broad transatlantic network of leaders.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to join the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine team and further their commitment to promote inclusiveness and diversity in medical education and beyond,” said Dr. Freeman. “I have admired the school’s innovative approach to medical education and look forward to sharing my expertise in implementing comprehensive equity, inclusion, and diversity programs for the school.”
Freeman joined the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine on August 8.
