has the distinction of being the only Ohio public or private college or university that ranks among the top 500 companies nationwide in Forbes’ recently released list of .
Kent State came in 21st of the 40 organizations in the education industry that received a ranking.
“We are deeply grateful to our employees for their commitment to the university and our students,” said Kent State President Todd Diacon. “Cultivating a working environment of inclusion and equity is one of our top priorities. It is an honor to be recognized among the best employers for diversity and to be the only university in Ohio to receive the distinction.”
Kent State is committed to being a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all who live, work and study at the university. Currently, Kent State is participating in a university-wide diversity, equity and inclusion strategic planning process that will move the university community forward in its efforts to create a more equitable, just and including university where all feel a sense of belonging.
In 2020, Kent State ranked No. 13 in the Forbes America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2020 among 500 companies in 24 industry sectors and was the only Ohio public or private college or university to make the 2020 ranking.
In addition, Kent State’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus received acknowledgement in 2021 from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, for a ninth consecutive year. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected Kent State as a recipient of the . The annual HEED Award is a national honor that recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Forbes collaborated with marketing research firm Statista to compile the list by anonymously surveying 60,000 American employees working for companies from all industry sectors employing a minimum of 1,000 employees in the U.S.
The evaluation was based on four different criteria:
- Direct recommendations: Employees were asked to give their opinions on a series of statements regarding age, gender, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQIA+ and general diversity in their current workplace. The recommendations of women, elders and ethnic minorities weighted higher than the non-minority groups.
- Indirect recommendations: Participants were also given the chance to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stand out either positively or negatively with regard to diversity. Only the recommendations of minority groups were considered.
- Diversity among top executives/board and diversity engagement indicators were also part of the evaluation.
For more information about Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit www.kent.edu/diversity.
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Media Contact:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797