Did you know

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion History at The University of Iowa

Did you know that….

Was the first public institution to admit men and women on an equal basis
Was ranked in Hispanic Outlook among the top 100 institutions awarding doctoral degrees to Latinx students
Was the first university with a program to rehabilitate children with disabilities
Was the first Big Ten institution to promote an African American to an administrative vice president position (Dr. Philip Hubbard,1966),
Was the first state-university to officially recognize the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, & Allied Union (1970)
Was the first public university in the US to include optional questions on admissions applications regarding students’ sexual orientation (2012).
Was one of the first public U.S. universities to grant a law degree to an African American

In 2012, UI Health Care opened the first clinic in the state to specifically serve the health-care needs of the LGBTQ community
UI Heath Care has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as a leader in health care equality for serving the health-care needs of the LGBTQ community
UI Health Care was ranked as one of the “Best Employers for Diversity” by Forbes
In 2015, UI Health Care opened the Ethnic Skin Care Clinic
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has been ranked by Forbes as America’s top Health Care Employer
In 2018 NRC Health and Becker’s Hospital Review ranked University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics 8th in the country for customer loyalty
In 2024 UI Hospitals & Clinics received a prestigious 5th Magnet Hospital designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. They join the 7.76% of Magnet hospitals in the country who have achieved five or more designations (2004, 2008, 2014, 2018, 2023)

Granted the first M.D. to an African American graduate in 1903 and first PhD to an African American woman in 1980.
Opened America’s first co-ed medical school (1870)
In 1864 Joseph D. Harris, an African American, received his Medical degree from the State University of Iowa Medical College (1860-1870) which preceded the current College of Medicine
When the University of Iowa College of Medicine opened in 1870 the first class of 37 students included 8 women
In 1876 Jennie McCowen was one of the first women to graduate from the University of Iowa College of Medicine
In 1903 Dr. Edward Albert Carter, first (documented) Black male graduate of the College of Medicine
In 1928, Dr. Ruth Jackson, first female board-certified woman orthopedic surgeon in the country, began her orthopedic training at Iowa in 1928; Dr. Arthur Steindler enthusiastically offered her a position when no other program would
In 1976, Dr. Florence Battle Shafiq was the first (documented) Black female graduate of the College of Medicine
In 1980, Professor Sandra Murray, was the 1st African American to receive a PhD (Anatomy)
In 2008, CCOM established the Office of Cultural Affairs and Diversity Initiatives to advance diversity and inclusion within the College