CCS Appoints Dr. Deirdre Young as the College’s Inaugural Assistant Dean for Institutional Equity and Inclusion

An enthusiastic advocate for quality health programming and social justice for marginalized populations, Dr. Young has served in a variety of roles across metro Detroit. As Vice President of Health and Equity for United Way for Southeastern Michigan, she led diversity and inclusion strategic planning for continuous human resources (HR) improvement for employees and community impact strategies to mobilize communities, particularly vulnerable populations. A proponent of inclusion as a driver for organizational success, Dr. Young’s creative programming and stewardship during the internal campaign resulted in a 10 percent revenue increase (2016–2018).

In addition, she has served as a thought leader for the development of evidence-based impact strategies to improve health outcomes in metro Detroit. Prior to United Way, Dr. Young established the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, where, as Director, she secured more than $1.5 million in federal and private grants for student pipeline programming aimed at providing underrepresented students with support and resources for professional success.

Dr. Young received a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in health services administration from University of Detroit Mercy. She also holds a B.S. in chemistry from Howard University. She is an active member of the National Dental Association and has previously served as Chair of the Minority Affairs Section of the American Dental Education Association and on the advisory board for the Michigan Area Health Education Center, Pipeline and Outreach Initiatives. She is a mentor with the Tour for Diversity in Medicine, which travels the country promoting diversity among future physicians and dentists.

In 2017, the Michigan Chronicle named her as one of that year’s Women of Excellence, an honor recognizing local African American women for their exceptional leadership, achievements and service to the community.

Deirdre brings a wealth of experience and a robust professional network to CCS to help the College become a leader in equity and inclusion work in the higher education community. She is married, with a son and a daughter, and enjoys theater, volunteering and spending time with family.

CCS looks forward to welcoming her in January and to building a more equitable and inclusive campus community.