Dear School of Public Health community,

After a robust search, I am thrilled to announce that Barret Fabris has joined our School of Public Health as the assistant dean of diversity and inclusion. Out of hundreds of candidates, Barret’s balanced expertise in leadership, student engagement and diversity and inclusion principles set him apart. He started in this new role yesterday, March 2, 2026.

Barret comes to Brown with extensive experience leading diversity and inclusion strategy in educational institutions. He led diversity and inclusion and global education programs at Providence’s Lincoln School for over a decade and also advised higher education institutions on inclusive leadership and curriculum design. He holds a Ph.D. in International Peace Studies from Trinity College in Dublin and an M.S. in Global and International Education from Drexel University. He also taught graduate courses at both institutions.

Here at the School of Public Health, Barret will be responsible for directing key organizational and programmatic initiatives, expanding outreach and advancing diversity and inclusion throughout the school. In this role, Barret will be a member of the school’s executive committee and work closely with the University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Finally, as part of this leadership transition—and to align with the University’s structure—we are also renaming the School of Public Health’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. While the office’s name may be changing, our commitment to health equity remains steadfast, as it is central to our school’s mission and vision and the work we do every day.

Thank you to the students, faculty and staff who contributed significant time and insightful feedback during this search. Please join me in welcoming Barret to our SPH community.

Sincerely,

Francesca L. Beaudoin, M.D., Ph.D.
Interim Dean