Barbara Israel, DrPH, Director of the Detroit Urban Research Center and faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is one of seven faculty members at the University of Michigan to recieve the 2013 Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.  Awards went to faculty who have shown deciaction to developing cultural and ethnic diversity at the University of Michigan. 

“The nominations we received were simply outstanding and prove that our faculty continues to think creatively about how to elevate Michigan’s role as a national model for diversity in higher education, ” says Lester Monts, senior vice provost for academic affairs. “This year’s recipients truly epitomize the values of fairness, tolerance, and appreciation for the viewpoints and lifestyles of others. We appreciate their efforts to promote diversity and create a rich environment for our students, faculty and staff.”

Established in 1996, the award is given in honor of Harold Johnson, dean emeritus of the School of Social Work. The award provides $5,000 to recipients to further research and scholarship opportunities.

Many of the contributions Dr. Israel has made to the School of Public Health stem from her leadership in the area of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). It allows academics to conduct research in partnership with communities of color interested in promoting health equity.

Israel, a professor of health behavior and health education, is the prime mover of the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center (URC), a CBPR partnership that includes representatives of both the African American and Latino communities in Detroit. Colleagues across the nation have called the Detroit URC the gold standard for such partnerships.

“In creating and nurturing the URC for the past 18 years, Dr. Israel has created a collaborative partnership that extends throughout the School of Public Health and to other units within the University of Michigan; to community organizations in Detroit, the Henry Ford Health System, and the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion. Dr. Israel has mentored, guided and counseled scores of faculty, and she has done much to improve the health of diverse communities,” wrote Martin Philbert, School of Public Health dean and professor of toxicolog.

Congratulations to Dr. Barbara Israel for receiving the well-deserved award! 

Read about other faculty members who recieved the 2013 Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award