Dana Lawless-Andric (left), executive director for
diversity and inclusion at Kent State University, and
Alfreda Brown (right), Kent State’s vice president for
diversity, equity and inclusion, hold the 2014 Institutional
Excellence Award that was presented to Kent State by
the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher
Education.

Kent State University has been awarded the 2014 Institutional Excellence Award by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. The award is bestowed on institutions that have shown demonstrable progress in promoting and sustaining innovative diversity efforts within their campus community.

Recipients of the award are recognized for their commitment to diversity and transformation in the areas of institutional leadership, access, retention and outreach, and professional development opportunities for faculty, staff and students to enrich their understanding and commitment to diversity.

Alfreda Brown, Kent State’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, and Dana Lawless-Andric, executive director for diversity and inclusion at Kent State, accepted the award on behalf of the university at the association’s annual conference that took place March 10-12 in San Diego.

“Kent State University is a founding member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, representing more than 150 universities and colleges nationwide,” Brown says. “To receive this award is recognition as a leading university in diversity excellence. We are honored and humbled to receive such distinction in our efforts and success in diversity.”

Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion oversees the university’s diversity and inclusion initiatives with the goal of nurturing a diverse community of individuals and creating an environment that welcomes diversity of thought, personal growth, academic attainment and above-average achievement.

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

For more information about the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, visit www.nadohe.org.