Announcement - Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

As part of the College’s initiatives to strengthen our efforts on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lancer Stephens as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the  Hudson College of Public Health, effective October 10, 2021. In this role, Dr. Stephens will serve as a leader and resource to advance the efforts of our College in the design, development, and implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies and programs.  We strive towards a diverse College of Public Health that better reflects the local, national and international populations, and to ensure a College culture where everyone is welcomed, valued and included. Lancer brings a unique and valuable mix of education and experience that is key to accomplishing these goals.  

Dr. Stephens is an Associate Professor of Research at the Hudson College of Public Health where he teaches American Indian health, ethical research with diverse populations and social and behavioral factors of public health.  Dr. Stephens has been a critical leader in strengthening our efforts to increase health and population health education, resources and disease prevention practices throughout Oklahoma’s American Indian populations.  Lancer is a key contributing leader in the development and continued support of non-profit organizations such as the Native Youth Preventing Diabetes (NYPD) coalition, the Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Diabetes Coalition (OIDC), and the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium (OTFC).  Dr. Stephens also serves many of the tribes throughout Oklahoma through board and community service to further strengthen OU’s relationship with Oklahoma’s sovereign tribal nations and is an advocate for enhancing tribal research and partnerships.  Lancer’s interests revolve around children’s health, increasing motivation for healthy behaviors, diversity and its effect on disease prevention.  Dr. Stephens is a member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes of Oklahoma.