WVU in the News: Nurse Explains Rewards, Tribulations and Importance of Diversity and Equity in Her Profession

Dr. Tamarra Crandall (left) and Susan Pinto (right) connected during 2022 Homecoming.  

The Los Angeles Sentinel recently featured a West Virginia University School of Nursing alum, Dr. Tamarra Crandall, in the story, "Nurse Explains Rewards, Tribulations and Importance of Diversity and Equity in Her Profession." 

Crandall shared, "Diversity in the workforce – especially in healthcare – is so critical because patients are more comfortable with people who look like them. Being African American, it’s extremely important to me that our community is well-represented in the workforce. A very important part of nursing is cultural competence. You have to make sure you have representation for all communities, especially when you provide care to a minority population."

Susan Pinto worked with Crandall, WVU School of Nursing Class of 2011, as a first semester senior student during Community Health. 

"Dr. Crandall was a hard worker, always striving to do her best. She spent a lot of time in my office seeking guidance and support. I knew then that she was going to do great things," Pinto said. "She always demonstrated a sensitivity for diverse vulnerable populations and was able to communicate in a caring and non-judgmental way with every encounter! Her behaviors embraced diversity, equity and inclusion even as a student."

While Crandall now lives on the West Coast, she certainly hasn't forgotten her West Virginia roots. She hopes to help young African Americans toward a career in nursing, especially in the Mountain State.