Alabama State University News October 4, 2013 ASU Dean to Serve on National Diversity Task Force Dr. Steven Chesbro, dean of the College of Health Sciences, will serve a four-year term on the Diversity Task Force of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Task Force, which will meet twice a year, will examine the NICHD's efforts at supporting health equity research and recruiting diverse subjects into NICHD's funded research studies and clinical trials. In addition, the Task Force will promote recruitment and career advancement of diverse researchers into the mission research areas of the NICHD. "The charge described for the Task Force is of the utmost importance if we are to achieve improved health outcomes for all," Chesbro said. "The pursuit of health equity is key to successful health outcomes, and ensuring a diverse research and healthcare workforce is a major component of that effort." Chesbro said a significant focus of his academic career has been the elimination of health disparities and the pursuit of health equity for all. "Through my service on this national board, I will have an opportunity to share an Alabama perspective on issues related to diversity in the health sciences clinical and research workforce," he said. The NIH supports efforts that diversify the workforce leading to the recruitment of the most talented researchers from all groups, improve the quality of research training, balance and broaden the perspective in setting research priorities, improve the ability to recruit subjects from diverse backgrounds into clinical research protocols, and ultimately improve the capacity to address and eliminate health disparities. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.