Faculty Diversity Scholars Program (FDSP)
The FDSP, administered by the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, is part of UMMS’s multifaceted approach to workforce diversity. The primary goal of the program is to support the recruitment and career advancement of faculty to UMMS (including the School of Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Graduate School of Nursing) from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the health sciences. These include: Black/African Americans, American Indian/Alaskan Native and Puerto Ricans.
For complete information, download the FDSP outline with appendix

Sonia Ortiz-Miranda, Benjamin Nwosu, Rashelle Hayes |
Current Recipients
Rashelle Hayes, PhD (Medicine) 2009-2012
Sonia Ortiz-Miranda, PhD (MaPS) 2008-2012
Past Recipients
Benjamin Nwosu, MD (Pediatrics) 2008-2011
Onesky Aupont, MD, MPH, PhD (Pediatrics) 2005-2008
Chyke Doubeni, MD, MPH (Family Medicine) 2004-2006
Abraham Ndiwant, EdD, RN (GSN) 2002-2007
Ethel Gordon, PhD (Medicine) 2000-2003
Maria Garcia, MD (Medicine) 1999-2002
Joaquin Cortiella, MD, MPH (Anesthesiology) 1998-1999
Samuel Abrokwah, MD (Anesthesiology) 1997-1998
Position Requirements
A scholar must be a benefitted employee of UMMS or UMMHC and maintain an active UMMS faculty appointment at or above the rank of Instructor in accordance with the academic personnel policies of the appropriate school. Academic promotions and re-appointments shall also be in accordance with the academic personnel policies of the appropriate school. All candidates are required to be eligible for future promotion including board-certification where applicable.
Project Period and Funding Resources
Departments may request a project period of 3 years and a budget of up to $300,000.00. Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis. Awards issued under this program are contingent upon the availability of funds at the time of application.
Application Process
Upon identifying an applicant, the Department Chair will contact the VPFA to discuss the applicant, application process and determine whether funding is available. After the discussions have occurred and opportunity has been determined, the Chair or designee will submit the applicant’s basic file and a proposal for funding to the VPFA. An interview with both the applicant and the department chair or designee by three members of the FDSP Oversight Committee will be required as part of the application process.
Funding requests are reviewed on a rolling basis and are evaluated on:
• Availability of departmental resources
• Department’s commitment and plans for supporting the career success of the candidate during and after the FDSP funding period
• Appropriate mentorship
• Applicant’s potential for career advancement and promotion of the diversity goals of UMMS
• Availability of FDSP program resources