THE UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY welcomed Makini King, Ph.D., as its assistant dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in March of 2023. Prior to joining the school, King served as assistant vice chancellor in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion at the university level.

King is a proud alumna of UMKC, where she received her master’s degree and Ph.D. in counseling psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in both Missouri and Kansas, and enjoys using her skills at the School of Dentistry.

“It’s unique to have a psychologist in a dental school because it provides a different perspective,” King said.

Although she’s worked with academic units across campus, she’s looking forward to working within a smaller community at a specific school. She said her work is most meaningful to her when she’s building relationships, and she is looking forward to connecting and engaging with minority alumni. King encourages alumni who are interested to reach out to her office.

“We’re creating a welcoming space where everybody feels like they belong,” King said. “Most people want an environment where they can be their authentic selves in a respectful and safe place where they can do what they came here to do.”