Leadership

Samantha McLaughlin, MA

Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Samantha McLaughlin has served as a higher education and student affairs professional for nearly 15 years. Most recently, she served as Director for the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S), where she was responsible for managing recruitment and student support initiatives for underrepresented minority medical students. In that capacity, she directed DEI programming for multicultural and affinity student groups, as well as the broader medical center community. Beyond her work with medical students, Ms. McLaughlin also managed a portfolio of pathway programs that provided the resources and training necessary to advance promising middle school, high school, and undergraduate students. To orchestrate these programs, Ms. McLaughlin managed curriculum design, faculty relations, operation oversight and student mentorship.

Ms. McLaughlin has dedicated her career to spearheading diversity initiatives to diversify the health professions and improve health care outcomes across the United States. Her efforts have supported the professional and academic development of thousands of students who identify with racial and ethnic groups that have been historically underrepresented in the health professions, as well as those from backgrounds marked by low socioeconomic status.

Ms. McLaughlin holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Her work history in higher and professional education spans several areas: student activities and co-curricular programming, advisement and counseling, mentorship and professional development, and grants and project management.