’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus has received acknowledgement from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, for a fifth consecutive year. INSIGHT Into Diversity has selected Kent State as a recipient of the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.
The annual HEED Award is a national honor that recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a recipient of this award, Kent State will be featured in INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s November 2017 issue, along with 79 other recipients.
“We are pleased to become a five-time winner of this prestigious award,” said Alfreda Brown, Kent State’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “I congratulate the staff of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and all faculty, staff, students and administrators who consistently and intentionally contribute toward ’s diversity success.”
Kent State was selected for the award because of its commitment to making diversity and inclusion a top priority, and its ability to embrace a broad definition of diversity on its campus, including gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.
“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a holistic approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across a campus.”
Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leads the university community’s efforts to increase diverse representation, create and sustain equity of opportunity and intentionally foster an inclusive environment. The division works to empower individuals, expand opportunities and meaningfully honor all voices.
Learn more about Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion