Piri Ackerman appointed interim associate vice chancellor for Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence
Following an internal search, Piri Ackerman, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.D.L.N., A.N.E.F., F.A.A.N., professor and associate dean for Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, has been appointed interim associate vice chancellor for Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence (HEDI).
Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence consists of three units: the central Office for Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence, the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, and the Office of Medical Pathways. HEDI is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment and access to health care for every individual of all genders, races, backgrounds, or identities. HEDI’s work includes promoting policies that are fair to all persons, ensuring no one is left behind, building trustworthy partnerships with the community and our neighbors, and encouraging lifelong learning among all persons.
Ackerman brings clinical experience as a critical care and emergency department charge nurse and hospital nursing administrative supervisor. As a founding faculty member of the School of Nursing, she has helped develop curricula and prepare faculty to educate future health professionals. Her research examines equity and inclusion in health professions education, including how microaggressions affect students’ learning experiences. She has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, with work appearing in journals including Academic Medicine, Journal of Nursing Education and Nursing Outlook.
Ackerman led the School of Nursing’s efforts to earn national HEED recognition in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2026 through the awards now known as the Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Awards. Her national leadership includes service on the American Academy of Nursing’s Social Determinants Policy Committee and the American Nurses Association’s National Commission on Racism in Nursing. She also founded the Summer Health Institute for Nursing Exploration and Success (SHINES), expanding pathways into nursing for high school and early community college students. Her honors include the National Black Nurses Association’s 2024 Trailblazer Award and the 2026 UC Davis Women & Philanthropy Impact Award.
“Piri brings a deep understanding of our university and a record of turning our commitments into opportunities for students, colleagues and communities,” said Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence Renetta Garrison Tull. “Her collaborative leadership will support the teams advancing inclusive excellence across UC Davis Health and build on their collective accomplishments. Further, she has a nice connection with colleagues across the University of California and will be co-chairing one of the UC-wide Health Sciences collaboratives.”
In this role, Ackerman will lead efforts to advance health equity across UC Davis Health’s education, research, clinical care and community partnerships. She will provide leadership for the teams advancing inclusive excellence across the health system and health professional schools. Reporting relationships remain unchanged, with continued direct reporting to Tull and dotted-line reporting to Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences Mark Rosenblatt.
“Piri brings valuable clinical experience and health equity expertise to the university wide work of Inclusive Excellence,” said Rosenblatt. “Her continued service on UC Davis Health’s leadership teams connects that work directly to our efforts to improve care, advance research and prepare the next generation of health professionals.”