Diversity and Inclusion, in a More Perfect University: Hs-Maca 20-Year History of Success

This book tells the story of an office successfully addressing diversity, inclusion and community affairs in a private university in a Midwestern state in the United States of America. It describes what can be achieved when institutional commitment and a true community partnership combine to increase student diversity on campus. For 20 years the dedicated staff of the office of Health Sciences-Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) has contributed to the recruitment, retention and graduation of underrepresented and disadvantaged student population.

The office of HSMACA was founded in 2000 and after 20 years of existence continues to effectively impact the "Healthy People 2020 Objectives" by increasing the number of well-trained, diverse health professionals who will provide culturally proficient care to the nation's underserved communities.

Since 2000, HSMACA has provided services to more than 10,000 disadvantaged students in the Omaha community through its "pipeline" programs. Our program start with economically, environmentally and/or educationally deprived students in the fourth grade and continue through middle school, high school, college and professional schools. Many alumni are current health care providers, some are still enrolled in health profession schools.