Valerie Romero-Leggott, MD, vice president for The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (HSC DEI), has announced Lindsay Smart, PhD, as the new HSC DEI Associate Vice President for Operations & Strategic Initiatives.
“Dr. Smart has demonstrated a profound commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion over the past 15 years across UNM, UNM Health and Health Sciences, regionally, and nationally,” said Romero-Leggott. “She is highly respected for her strong interpersonal and communication skills, effectively engaging a wide range of constituencies. With extensive experience in our clinical, educational, and research missions, she brings proactive leadership, strategic vision, and a deep awareness and appreciation of New Mexico’s climate and culture.”
Smart is an associate professor and clinical psychologist in the UNM School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. In her prior leadership role in the HSC DEI, she served as the associate vice president for leadership and faculty equity and inclusion.
“I am delighted to accept the position as associate vice president for operations and strategic initiatives in the UNM HSC DEI. I am looking forward to collaborating with all of the programs and initiatives across UNM Health and Health Sciences and contributing to our shared dedication and commitment to the people and communities of New Mexico. Over the past 15 years of my time here at UNM, I have been so grateful to the wonderful people that I have met, and I am looking forward to many more years of building community with you all,” said Smart.
Smart earned her BA in psychology from the University of Portland and her MA and PhD from the University of Denver Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program. She completed her psychology internship at UNM HSC, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in the division of community behavioral health. During this time, she worked on grant projects with various Tribal communities.
Smart's expertise in DEI programs is demonstrated by her work developing the HSC Recruitment Roadmap: Recruitment for an Equitable and Inclusive Health Professions Workforce. She developed the HSC Equity Advisor initiative for search committees as training director of the psychology internship training program.
Additionally, Smart co-chaired the HSC Inclusive Excellence Council Workforce Development Committee among other DEI initiatives including creating a cross-cultural communication mentoring curriculum delivered via ECHO platform as part of an HSC DEI grant.
As associate vice president for operations & strategic initiatives, Smart will help lead development efforts related to DEI strategies while collaborating with communities across New Mexico to enhance diverse healthcare workforce development.
“Dr. Smart’s strategic planning, executive leadership experience, coupled with her commitment to DEI programs make her an invaluable asset to our organization," Romero-Leggott added.
