Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions has named Rev. Marilyn J. D. Barnes, M.P.H., BCC as interim associate dean of inclusive excellence and belonging, effective Sept. 1.

Barnes serves as the Rev. Robert B. Lantz chair of the Department of Patient Counseling and director of Spiritual Care at the VCU Medical Center. She succeeds Stephan Davis, D.N.P., who previously served in a joint role for the College of Health Professions and School of Nursing.

“Marilyn’s leadership and commitment to spiritual support have truly made a positive impact across the VCU and VCU Health communities,” said Amy R. Darragh, Ph.D., dean of the VCU College of Health Professions. “Her extensive experience and compassion will help us continue to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for our students, faculty, and staff. I am grateful for her leadership and willingness to serve during this transition period.”

In this role, Barnes will lead the college in the evaluation of school policies, standards and practices to reflect a commitment to inclusion and belonging values; facilitate the work of the diversity and inclusion council; curate a program of lectures and events on diversity and inclusion; support initiatives that ensure inclusive andragogy and teaching strategies; and promote understanding of health disparities, social determinants of health and health equity.

Barnes’ research interests include religious and spiritual coping as protective factors for African-American women against the chronic stress associated with racial discrimination; the impact of spiritual care interventions in support of staff; sustainability with the integration of Spiritual Care Encounter Simulation in Clinical Pastoral Education and chaplain continuing education.

In the area of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, the college was recognized as a 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipient from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This made the college the first academic unit on the VCU Health Sciences Campus to earn the award, which is presented to schools exemplifying an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout campus communities, across academic programs and at the highest administrative levels.

"I am really grateful for the opportunity to build upon the pivotal efforts of those who have worked tirelessly to advance inclusion and belonging at the college,” said Barnes. “I believe that inclusive excellence and belonging are not something we should do, yet they are part of our being, and how we are in community with one another. I am committed to furthering our mission and to collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to foster a culture where every voice is represented, valued, and respected.”

Prior to joining VCU in 2021, Barnes served as vice president of mission and spiritual care for the Advocate Aurora Health System, where she led at six different hospitals, in Wisconsin and Illinois. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a board certified chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains.

Barnes is a graduate of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They are Texas Southern University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in computer science, and Southern University where she received a Master of Science in computer science. She holds a Master of Arts in pastoral care and counseling from Garett Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

A national search for a permanent associate dean of inclusive excellence and belonging will be initiated in the near future.

By Malorie Burkett
Sept. 3, 2024