Rikkisha Gilmore-Byrd Dr.P.H., M.S., M.P.H.

Dr. Rikkisha (Rikki) Gilmore-Byrd has focused her work on diversity, equity, and inclusion in health, wellness, and life. Certified as a health coach and life coach, Dr. Gilmore-Byrd enjoys coaching people to become the best iteration of themselves. She is currently the dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences at Rasmussen University and serves as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging trainer and consultant. Dr. Gilmore-Byrd is passionate about supporting people to become the best version of themselves on their health and wellness journey. She has worked in various health and human services positions since she was 16 years old, beginning as a medical assistant. She earned a master’s of science degree in human services/counseling, a master’s of public health degree, and a doctor of public health degree, which focused on improving health communication through cultural humility to improve health equity in vulnerable populations. Dr. Gilmore-Byrd has transferred that knowledge into higher education—Addressing curriculum, learning, and teaching with an equity lens has created many initiatives and opportunities to support students.