Merridth Simpson, Manager of Diversity & Inclusion in the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Equal Opportunity, recently was awarded the 2015 DiversityFIRST Award by Texas Diversity Council (TXDC).

Merridth Simpson, Manager of Diversity & Inclusion, Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

The award was presented at the group’s annual Greater Dallas Best Practices and DiversityFIRST luncheon.

TXDC established the DiversityFIRST Awards in 2004 to recognize individuals, community groups, nonprofit organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievements and sustained commitment to the pursuit of cultural diversity and inclusion in the community and workplace.

Ms. Simpson, who joined UT Southwestern in September 2013, was recognized for her efforts to increase collaboration among with departments and campus leaders to ensure that diversity and inclusion are essential components of the institution’s core missions of research, education and patient care.

“I’m proud of UT Southwestern’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity because we have such a great mission,” she said in accepting the award. “People perform better when they feel valued and included, and it’s important that we all do our part to create a workplace where everyone feels appreciated for who they are and for the unique skills they bring.”

She serves on UT Southwestern’s Human Resources Advisory Council, the Employee Recognition Committee, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Committee, and is one of the leaders in several collaborative effort between her office and the Office of Women’s Careers. 

Ms. Simpson also is active in the community, leading the women’s ministry at her church, and serving on the Board of Management for the Lakewest YMCA in Dallas.