Kent State Receives National Award for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Kent State University has been selected as a recipient of the 2013 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The announcement was made Oct. 17 by the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. Kent State is one of 56 colleges and universities nationwide to be honored with this award.

The HEED Award recognizes colleges and universities across the country that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. With the award, Kent State will be featured in INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s November 2013 issue.

Kent State was chosen as a recipient based on its exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives, and ability to embrace a broad definition of diversity on its campuses, including gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LBGTQ community.

Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion oversees the university’s diversity and inclusion initiatives with the goal of maximizing individual and collective contributions and creating an environment that welcomes diversity of thought, personal growth, academic attainment and above-average achievement.

“We are pleased to be recognized with this prestigious award,” said Alfreda Brown, Ed.D., Kent State’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “The credit goes to the many students, faculty, staff and administrators who are engaged in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at Kent State. We believe that the educational benefits of diversity promote bias-free understanding that supports the Kent State mission to change lives. It is a source of pride to become one of 56 colleges and universities to be honored with the 2013 HEED Award.”

For more information about INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine and the 2013 HEED Awards, 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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Photo Caption:
Kent State University students pose for a group photo during the fall semester. Kent State has been selected to receive the 2013 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Media Contacts:
Dana Lawless-Andric, dlawless@kent.edu, 330-672-1980
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595