By Spencer Watson
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has been ranked seventh nationally on an annual list of Best Employers for Diversity created by Forbes magazine.
The rankings are based on independent surveys of more than 50,000 people in workplaces of more than 1,000 employees. They include both direct and indirect recommendations and consider both diversity in executive leadership and institutional efforts to promote diversity in the workplace.
“I have always said that at UAMS our diversity is our superpower, enabling us to do great things,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, chancellor of UAMS and CEO of UAMS Health. “Diversity and inclusion are part of our core values at UAMS and inform all parts of our mission to research, educate and provide care.”
The survey included consideration of general diversity as well as gauging participant’s perceptions of each employer’s approach to gender and ethnic diversity, as well as LGBTQ+ representation and accommodation of employees with disabilities.
“This national ranking is an accomplishment for all of our employees at UAMS, because it is a team effort. Diversity and inclusion require an individual commitment to our common goal of creating a welcoming atmosphere in which everyone feels respected and valued,” said Brian Gittens, Ed.D., MPA, vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion.
“We are committed to having a workforce that represents the people we serve, and those values are reflected in our policies and practices in hiring and advancement, so that across our institution all voices can be heard,” added Danielle Lombard-Sims, Ph.D., vice chancellor and chief human resources officer.
The complete listing of Forbes Best Employers for Diversity and a full explanation of the methodology are available at www.forbes.com/best-employers-diversity/.