The Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs

Division of Multicultural Affairs

2500 North State Street

Jackson, MS 39216

Phone: (601)984.1340

Fax: (601)984.1335

CONTACT US BY E-MAIL

Jasmine Pugh Taylor, MD

Associate Vice Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs

jptaylor@som.umsmed.edu

Jasmine Pugh Taylor, M.D. became the Associate Vice Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs for the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2004.  Serving as the first African American female carrying the title of Associate Vice Chancellor for the medical center, Dr. Taylor dually serves as the Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs for the School of Medicine.  With numerous academic capacities, Dr. Taylor is an assistant professor of psychiatry, director for the division of multicultural affairs, member of the admissions committee for both the School of Medicine and the School of Dentistry, and member of the Liaison Committee for Medical Education.  Dr. Taylor also chairs the Multicultural Enhancement Committee and the Multicultural Affairs Working Group.  (Complete biography)

Gaarmel Funches

Director, Community Education/Outreach

gfunches@mca.umsmed.edu

Gaarmel Funches joined the Division of Multicultural Affairs in July 2000. Mrs. Funches is responsible for initiatives in regards to multicultural student programming, community outreach and recruitment efforts offered through the division and provided to the University Medical Center and community. Mrs. Funches assists with day to day operation within the Division of Multicultural Affairs. She has a two phase focus of recruiting and retention of qualified students to attend UMMC. (Complete biography)

Juanyce D. Taylor

Director, Diversity Assessment and Programs

jdtaylor@mca.umsmed.edu

Juanyce D. Taylor joined the Office of the Associate Vice-Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs in January, 2008. Ms. Taylor is responsible for research and assessment initiatives in regards to multicultural programming, diversity training, accreditation and recruitment efforts offered through the division and provided to the University Medical Center and community.  Ms. Taylor assists the Associate Vice-Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs in advancing the medical center’s intellectual capital through training and development towards building cultural competency among staff, students and faculty and by collaborating with internal units in addressing potential threats and resolutions to disparities in health care. (Complete biography)

LaFreda Sias

Executive Assistant

lysias@mca.umsmed.edu

Ms. LaFreda Sias joined the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs in April 2003.  Ms. Sias, executive assistant, is responsible for all administrative aspects of the office as well as serving as program coordinator for the summer enrichment programs.  She assists the Associate Vice Chancellor in maintenance of office affairs and handles special projects. (Complete biography)

Christopher Taylor

Administrative Assistant

cttaylor@mca.umsmed.edu

In June 2009, Mr. Christopher Taylor joined the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs in June 2009. He is a native of Jackson, MS, and has served in church and community development for the past 20 years. His prior work and volunteer experience has been in the following specific capacities:  project manager, community organizer, office administrator, professional fundraiser, public speaker, worship leader, teacher and musician. (Complete biography)