In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Harriet K. and Philip Pumerantz Library was pleased to provide a weekly profile of female Deans via Instagram. Please take some time to read about the exceptional women of WesternU and how they have contributed to this year’s theme of “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”

Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) involves actively fostering environments where people of diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and included. It is important to listen and amplify voices to understand experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups. This involves creating platforms for these voices to be heard and taking action based on their feedback.

Meet Dr. Elizabeth Hoppe, Founding Dean of The College of Optometry. Dr. Hoppe has a true pioneering spirit, and along the way has accomplished notable firsts, paving the way for women in public health and the optometry field.

Dr. Hoppe has published numerous papers, several book chapter, and continues conducting research in optometric education, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, and services for people with autism.

Dr. Elizabeth Hoppe is a proud alumna of Ferris State University College of Optometry, graduating with the class of 1988.  After attaining her optometry degree, Dr. Hoppe continued her education with residency training in low vision rehabilitation.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Yale University, and a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Michigan.  Dr. Hoppe has enjoyed the opportunity to serve the profession of optometry in a variety of ways, including her role as an optometric educator at three different institutions, volunteering with the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association, and the American Public Health Association, conducting research, and providing patient care.  She has published numerous papers, several book chapters, and continues conducting research in optometric education, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, and services for people with autism.  Dr. Hoppe has a true pioneering spirit, and along the way has accomplished several notable firsts.  She is the first woman to complete the residency program at the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center at the West Haven, Connecticut VA.  She is the first woman in the U.S. to hold both the OD degree and the Doctorate of Public Health.  She is the first woman to earn a diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry’s Public Health and Environmental Optometry Section.  She is the first woman to serve as the editor of the journal Optometric Education.  She is also the first woman to serve as the CEO and Dean of a College of Optometry in the United States, and one of only 25 individuals who has had the honor of serving as a founder of a College of Optometry in our professional history in the U.S.  She has served as the President of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry and the President of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.

Selected funded activities supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • 2004 ASCO Grant
    Cultural Awareness Symposia
    Co-Investigator / Data coordinator
  • 2005 ASCO Grant
    Cultural Competency Workshop
    Co-Investigator / Data coordinator
  • 2022 Vision Service Plan Sponsorship
    Leadership, Scholarship, Mentorship program
  • 2023 Johnson & Johnson Vision Sponsorship
    Empowering Diversity in Optometry – the Power of LatinX Community Event
    Program planner and co-organizer
  •  Grant reviewer for ASCO Diversity Initiative Grant Applications

Selected training and education supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Attended bystander intervention training from Right to Be (formerly Hollaback) as an LGBTQ+ ally
  • Facilitated College-level training in DEI for staff members by the Intercultural Development Group
  • Attended ASCO Eye on Diversity Initiative trainings sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision
  • Attended Neurodiversity Inclusion training from the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity
  • Facilitated education on health disparities and social determinants of health as incorporated within our WesternU CO curriculum – thank you Dr. Edward Barnes from COMP!

Selected Diversity recruitment and retention initiatives

  • Student recruitment presentations at HBCU’s including Savannah State University, Howard University, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science
  • Assisted in developing linkage agreements with Hispanic-Serving Institutions such as California State University Los Angeles and University of La Verne
  • Assisted in developing the Dr. Edward Hernandez Leadership, Scholarship and Mentorship Program for Latino Optometry Students