Dr. Brian Harper, chief medical officer and associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology, has taken on yet another role: that of the school’s first vice president for equity and inclusion.
In the position, Harper will create a new office to focus on and address matters of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Harper had served as a co-chair of a New York Tech DEI task force before New York Institute of Technology President Dr. Hank Foley tapped him to serve in this new capacity.
“Through his vast experience and impressive public health advocacy, Dr. Harper’s leadership has been a key driver in the success of New York Tech’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force,” Foley wrote in an email. “The strength of our institution lies within its ability to encourage and foster a diverse mosaic of perspectives. I look forward to working with Dr. Harper in his new role to continue building an environment where individuals of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds can thrive.”
Harper will continue to operate as chief medical officer and associate professor.
Originally from Brooklyn, Harper studied at Brown University, earning his undergraduate degrees in biology and in Afro-American studies. He then went on to the State University of New York, Health Science Center at Syracuse for his medical degree.
“After Syracuse, I came back to New York and I started off at Harlem Hospital, again with some understanding that there was really a need for physicians, particularly in some of the urban areas,” Harper said.
But treating patients at Harlem felt a bit cyclical, he added.
