Kent State University’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus has received acknowledgement from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, for an eighth consecutive year. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has selected Kent State as a recipient of the 2020 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 2020 issue, along with 89 other recipients from across the country.
“The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is honored to be recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity for the eighth year,” said Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D., Kent State’s interim vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “Kent State is committed to and values diversity, we continuously strive to create an equitable and inclusive environment for all who live, work and learn on our campuses. Diversity is vital to our success as an institution, and we are excited to continue moving forward."
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, co-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’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.
For more information about INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine and the 2020 HEED Award, visit www.insightintodiversity.com.
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
WRITTEN BY: EMILY VINCENT