Marita Gilbert, PhD

Dr. Marita Gilbert joins Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as the Associate Dean of Diversity & Campus Inclusion. 

Gilbert has dedicated her life to advocacy for the most marginalized and vulnerable populations through leadership, scholarship, and practice. Her passion for transforming communities and institutions has guided over twenty years of progressive experience in higher education, serving in faculty and administrative roles ranging from athletics to senior leadership. 

As the Associate Dean of Diversity & Campus Inclusion, Gilbert works across the College and its affiliated institutions to advance MSUCOM’s diversity initiatives and mission. She serves as a member of the dean's advisory board and the College's executive staff. As such, she oversees diversity efforts on all three campuses and works directly with the Dean over areas of college climate including faculty mentoring in the areas of equity and inclusion leading, oversight of elections for college and university committees, advising the College Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure (RPT) process, and developing cohesive and visible community partnerships and engaging in local outreach efforts. 

Gilbert is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and is proud to call it home—wherever she finds herself. Its rich and nuanced cultural heritage is the lens through which she understands and implements inclusive practice. SHe earned a BA in Mass Communications from Auburn University and PhD in Kinesiology with concentrations in the Sociology of Sport and College Teaching and Learning as well as a specialization in Black Feminism from Michigan State University.