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������’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognized with the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The annual award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. Kent State has received the HEED Award for the past 10 years. 

Kent State is the only public university in northern Ohio to receive the 2022 HEED Award. In addition, Kent State is one of only four Ohio public universities to earn the award.

The national award program evaluates an institution’s level of achievement and intensity of commitment regarding broadening diversity and inclusion on campus through initiatives, programs and outreach; student recruitment, retention and completion; and hiring practices for faculty and staff. 

“It is a great honor to be recognized for the 10th time by INSIGHT Into Diversity with the HEED Award,” said Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D., Kent State’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “This award recognizes the university’s deep commitment to an inclusive environment for learning, working and living. I thank our students, faculty and staff for their dedication to making Kent State a diverse and inclusive community.”  

Kent State and 102 other 2022 HEED Award recipients will be featured in the November 2022 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

“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 – leadership support for diversity, campus culture and climate, supplier diversity and many other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed 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 done every day across their campus.” 

Kent State is being honored for its ability to embrace a broad definition of diversity on its campus, including gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The university is also committed to making diversity and inclusion a top priority. Kent State’s second priority in its strategic roadmap is “A Diverse Kent State” – to create a diverse learning environment through the recruitment and retention of a diverse student body, faculty and staff.

In addition to its decade of recognition with the HEED Award, the university is recommitting to its diversity, equity and inclusion mission by developing a new university-wide strategic diversity plan along with continued diversity-based town halls, professional development opportunities and scholarships, among other campus initiatives.

For more information about INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine and the 2022 HEED Award, visit . 

For more information about Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit www.kent.edu/diversity. 

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Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595