Kent State University has received national recognition for its mission to support a climate that welcomes and supports diversity in all of its forms. The Society for Diversity presented the university with the distinctive Innovation + Inclusion Leadership Award.  

For the past eight years, the Society for Diversity has recognized the work of outstanding organizations and individuals who have demonstrated excellence in employment equity and workplace inclusion. This year, the Society for Diversity added “innovation” to its criteria to represent how collaboration, new strategies and technology have changed equity, diversity and inclusion work.

The award highlights Kent State’s Diversity Education and Training Lab, which aims to foster and develop diversity and cultural competency awareness, knowledge and skills. The lab is made up of a team with diverse expertise to help address issues ranging from blind spots and unintentional biases to recruitment, promotion and cultural competency skills.

The lab’s training team leads discussions to foster awareness of barriers and issues that impact climate, diversity and inclusion. They also offer training, seminars and workshops to learn how to apply new skills outside the lab.

In addition to working with Kent State faculty, staff and students, the Diversity Education and Training Lab trains more than 500 community-based leaders and partners.

“It is an honor to receive this prestigious award,” says Alfreda Brown, Ed.D., vice president for Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Our Training Lab has established itself as a trailblazer in cultivating diversity awareness on our campus and in our various communities. I am so pleased that our staff has worked diligently in helping to ensure that diversity permeates our mission, vision and decision making. Without the hard work of the Training Lab, we would not have our measurable success. Again, I am so very proud of our team.”  

The Society for Diversity conferred awards in four categories: individual, corporate, nonprofit and education. Each of the award recipients has demonstrated success in a way that can be replicated nationally. Kent State received its award at the Society for Diversity’s annual conference in Chicago in June.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KENT STATE'S DIVISION OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION