Dean Lawrence Potter Invited to Serve on Obesity Research Advisory Board

University of La Verne College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Lawrence Potter has been selected to serve on an advisory board that will increase diversity in obesity research.

The Obesity Health Disparities Research PRIDE Program, operated by the University of Mississippi Medical Center, trains faculty and postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented backgrounds to develop research programs and peer-reviewed publications to address obesity disparities.

Dr. Potter said his focus will be to provide feedback and guidance for the program, as well as identify faculty to participate. He has supported diverse faculty at high-profile universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic Serving Institutions.

“Being selected to serve on this advisory board provides a platform for me to continue the work of developing and mentoring young faculty interested in becoming difference-makers in communities of color, especially black and Latino,” Dr. Potter said. “Disparities in these communities appear to be entrenched generationally due to lack of information and advocacy.”

Faculty who participate will work in learning communities to develop and submit scientific manuscripts and research grant applications. They will make formal presentations at a national research conference and will be invited to future seminars for career development, research opportunities, peer mentoring, and social support.

Dr. Potter considers the program’s mission important.

“My role in building capacity for (faculty) to navigate and negotiate the higher education landscape is important to their development and defining success for the next generation of increased minority faculty in higher education,” he said.

Dr. Potter joined the University of La Verne in 2015 as dean, bringing more than 20 years of leadership in both faculty and administrative roles at private and public institutions.

He has been recognized for outstanding teaching and mentoring of students and faculty, as well as leadership. Diverse Issues in Higher Education published a three-part series recognizing Dr. Potter’s transformative leadership in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and the impact of race in higher education. His work and diversity models have been used by colleges and universities across the country.