Ohio University received top honors from national diversity magazine INSIGHT Into Diversity on Friday.
The Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED, Award is open to all colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. It measures an institution’s level of achievement and intensity of commitment to diversity and inclusion on campus.
“It’s an incredible honor to be one of less than 100 institutions throughout the country to receive this award, and it continues to show that OHIO is an exceptional institution,” Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Pina said in a university press release.
OU is one of 96 institutions across the country to receive the award.
“The HEED Award affirms our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This does not mean that we have solved all problems,” Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Gigi Secuban said in a university press release. “We are going to continue to work with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to keep improving until all students feel safe and welcome on all of OHIO’s campuses.”
The award is based off of how a university or college uses different initiatives, programs and outreach to broaden diversity and inclusion on campus. It is measured through student recruitment, retention and completion as well as hiring practices for faculty and staff.
“Ohio University has long demonstrated its commitment to embracing diversity. Embracing diversity is something that I knew I not only wanted to continue but something I wanted to take a step further,” President Duane Nellis said in a university press release. “I am honored that OHIO has been recognized for the efforts that have been made to show our commitment to diversity.”
