Inclusive Excellence and Opportunity Team
Azziza O. (Kemi) Bankole, MBBS
Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence
540-981-7653
aobankole@vt.edu
Riverside 2 Suite M146
Office Hours: Tuesdays 8am-5pm
Position Responsibilities
The Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence is responsible for programmatic efforts to improve and promote inclusive environments across the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine community. This includes leading the identification and execution of best practices for the recruitment and retention of faculty and students and coordinating activities that support the school’s strategic goals for inclusion and access. The Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence leads the development and implementation of policies and initiatives that contribute to building an inclusive and equitable community that enriches students' education and enhances their ability to participate in a rapidly evolving, multicultural world.
Education and Training
- University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Nigeria, MD
- North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health Systems, Zucker Hillside Hospital-Fellowship
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center-Residency
- Hull and East Riding NHS Trust-Residency
Additional Positions
- Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
- Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
- Associate Professor, Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
- Fellowship Director, Geriatric Psychiatry, Carilion Clinic
- Geriatric Psychiatrist, Carilion Clinic Center for Healthy Aging
Office Hours: weekdays from 8am - 5pm
Position Responsibilities
Support inclusive excellence in education and programming, as well as our community engagement efforts, facilitating partnerships with Carilion Clinic to sponsor community events. Also assigned to special projects, starting with support for our advancement team’s efforts to build the Henrietta Lacks Scholarship to the endowment level, so it can support full tuition for the student selected to receive it.
Education and Training
- Wesley Theological Seminary: DMin
- Virginia Tech: MSEd
- Radford University: BA
- New River Community College: AAS
Additional Positions
- Assistant Professor, Health Systems and Implementation Science, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Office Hours: weekdays from 8am - 5pm
As the PreMed Access Coordinator, Sophia works closely with the Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence and the Assistant Dean for Student Vitality. She also leads several programs, including the VTCSOM Undergraduate Pathway Programs: Health Equity Scholars Program (HESP), The Medical Experience Program (MEDS-E), and year-round national medical student recruitment efforts. Additionally, Sophia coordinates the Fralin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Lunch Series, Riverside Chats, and the Healthcare Professional of the Roanoke Valley events.
She serves as a member of the Council for Inclusive Collaboration and the annual Virginia Tech Martin Luther King planning committee.
Education and Training
- Full Sail University: MA
- Virginia Commonwealth University: BFA
Office Hours: weekdays from 7am-4pm
As the Student Engagement and Pathways Coordinator, Stephanie serves as a first point-of-contact for the VTCSOM Office of Inclusive Excellence and Opportunity efforts. She also works collaboratively with the Association Dean of Inclusive Excellence and the Assistant Dean for Student Vitality and PreMed Access Coordinator.
She also leads the VTCSOM K-12 Pathway Programs: Healthcare Enrichment Learning Program (HELP), Health Professions Enrichment Program (HPEP), JumpStart, the Bridges Into Belonging Series, and local recruitment events.
Education and Training
- Libery University: BS
Angelica Witcher Walker, PhD, MBA
Assistant Dean, Student Vitality & Career Development
Director, Student Affairs
540-526-2555
angelicaw@vt.edu
Riverside 2 M151
Office Hours: weekdays from 8am - 5pm
Position Responsibilities
As the Assistant Dean for Student Vitality & Career Development and Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Witcher Walker is responsible for operational aspects of the student affairs curriculum and programs and maintains a core role in directing activities related to student organizations and special interest groups, career advising, residency planning, ceremony planning, budget planning, mentoring communities, and providing support to the Office of Student Affairs. She serves as the Inclusive Curriculum Thread Leader while maintaining a core role in institutional partnerships, student retention, and providing support to the Office of Inclusive Excellence & Opportunity.
Education and Training
- Virginia Tech: PhD
- Averett University: MBA
- University of Virginia: BSN
Additional Positions
- Assistant Professor, Health Systems and Implementation Science, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
- Advisor, Student National Medical Association