The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at the University of the Pacific ranks second in the nation for graduating Asian American students with doctor’s degrees in dentistry, according to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Also, the university is one of the best in the nation for graduating minority students with graduate degrees, the publication reported.
“We are proud that our school and tradition of nurturing a humanistic educational environment is being recognized for serving an underrepresented population and supporting efforts to broaden diversity and belonging within the field of dentistry,” said Dr. Nader Nadershahi, dean of the Dugoni School of Dentistry.
Also, for the eleventh consecutive year, the university’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy ranked in the top three nationally for graduating Asian American students with doctor’s degrees in pharmaceutical sciences and administration.
“We are committed to providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to study in our programs and prepare them to be transformative professionals and socially conscious leaders in healthcare and science,” said Dr. Rae Matsumoto, dean of the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.
Pacific ranked highly in several other categories for graduating minority students with graduate degrees. The School of Health Sciences ranked third for graduating Asian American students with doctor’s degrees in health professions and related programs.
“By graduating healthcare providers that more closely represent the rich diversity of our communities, we are shaping the future of healthcare to be more inclusive and accessible to all populations,” said Dr. Nicoleta Bugnariu, dean of the School of Health Sciences.
The University of the Pacific is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, it said, and it has been ranked highly by US News & World Report in its social mobility scale, which measures service to economically disadvantaged students. Pacific was tenth nationally in social mobility among private institutions and 36th overall.
“Our rankings are a reflection of the incredible work being done by our faculty, our staff, and our students to make our university a national model for diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Christopher Callahan, president of the university.
Since his arrival on July 1, 2020, a central part of Callahan’s focus has been on diversity, equity, and inclusion. To support these efforts, Pacific recently named Mary J. Wardell-Ghirarduzzi the inaugural vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She will work with students, faculty, staff, and university leaders on Pacific’s campuses in Stockton, Sacramento, and San Francisco.
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