NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and the DeWitt School of Nursing have formed a partnership to train all nursing students and faculty in critical issues relating to diversity and multicultural education.

Dr. Katy Trotty, assistant professor and coordinator for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, said the training will focus on giving students and faculty tools to grow personally and professionally.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion are critical elements to both educating students and providing quality care for patients,” Trotty said. “The Office of Multicultural Affairs has listened to exactly what we need and will provide focused training for our students and faculty. I believe this partnership will make the DeWitt School of Nursing a better place to learn and will impact the fantastic care SFA nurses give to their patients.”

The partnership will provide nursing students and faculty fresh and different perspectives on ways to best support one another and to practice in their fields.

“We know informed nurses go on to improve patient outcomes for diverse groups, and we are so thankful to have OMA’s help on this journey,” Trotty said.

Ja’von Long, assistant director of the OMA, said he is proud of this new collaborative effort and hopes to continue creating a campus environment where all students, staff and faculty feel welcome and included.

“Outside of creating a campus environment of inclusion, we are helping to prepare our future nurses for issues they may encounter while working with the diverse populations they serve,” Long said. “This partnership allows the OMA to create new networks of support and provide learning opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural interaction. We look forward to equipping our future nurses with the knowledge that will enhance the patient care they provide.”

For more information on SFA’s School of Nursing, visit sfasu.edu/nursing.