Kent State University students discuss research material
before the start of a class session.

Kent State University’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 third consecutive year. INSIGHT Into Diversity has selected Kent State as a recipient of the 2015 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 2015 issue, along with 91 other recipients.

“As a third year recipient of the prestigious HEED Award, this is a strong declaration for the advancement of diversity at Kent State,” says Alfreda Brown, Ed.D., Kent State’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “Each year, our overall results have shown a steady progression of success, particularly the first-year retention rate of our underrepresented students, and our strengthening of cultural competence of students and employees across the university. We are pleased and honored to accept this award on behalf of all of our colleges and divisions that are working toward a united front to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the Kent State community.”

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 LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) community.

Kent State University students observe events celebrating
AsianFest, Kent State's College of the Arts' annual cultural
event that takes place on the Kent Campus.

“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,” says 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 oversees the university’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. Its goal is to maximize individual and collective contributions and create an environment that welcomes diversity of thought, personal growth, academic attainment and above-average achievement.

For more information about INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit www.insightintodiversity.com.

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