Robinson-McNeese Named Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
Wesley Robinson-McNeese, MD, has been named Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. McNeese previously was executive assistant to the dean for diversity, multicultural and minority affairs at SIU School of Medicine. He also is associate professor of internal medicine and medical humanities.
“Dr. McNeese has made a significant impact on our efforts for diversity for our student population as well as our faculty and staff,” said Dean and Provost Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH. “His new position reinforces the fact that SIU School of Medicine values diversity and inclusion and is dedicated to increasing those values both internally at the medical school and externally within the community.”
McNeese, a 1986 alumnus, joined the SIU faculty in 2001 and founded the Office of Diversity Multicultural and Minority Affairs. Over the past decade, McNeese has overseen numerous initiatives to promote and expand the culture of diversity and inclusion at the School of Medicine. Most notably, McNeese led efforts with Springfield School District 186 to create “P4” (Physician Pipeline Preparatory Program) to encourage high school students to pursue careers in medicine. A total of 26 students have completed the program, and most are pursuing medical studies. He also spearheaded the Eastside Health Initiative, the Metro-east Healthcare Elective, and the Alonzo H. Kenniebrew Forum.
McNeese has initiated recruitment efforts of medical students, faculty and staff and a faculty mentoring program. Under McNeese’s direction, minority graduates to the School of Medicine have increased. According to a study by the Association of American Medical Colleges SIU School of Medicine ranks in the 90th percentile of recent graduates who are Black or African-American.
“This new position is a giant step forward for the school in its ongoing efforts to achieve diversity and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff,” McNeese said. “Also, it’s a crowning accomplishment for my career here. I am thankful and humbled.”
Prior to joining SIU School of Medicine, McNeese was an emergency physician at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He also was a partner in Infinity HealthCare of Wisconsin.
He completed his residency in emergency medicine at McGaw Medical Center, Northwestern University Chicago (1990), and was board certified in emergency medicine. McNeese earned his medical degree at SIU (1986). McNeese also is a licensed minister in the Church of God and is pastor of the New Mission Church of God in Springfield.
A native of East St. Louis, he is married to LaVern Ollie of Pine Bluff, Ark. He is the son of the late Rev. Dr. Timmie McNeese and the late Rev. Priscilla McNeese.
