The annual HEED Award is a national honor recognizing United States colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.The University of Alabama at Birmingham received the 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. UAB is one of only 100 colleges and universities in the nation identified as a HEED winner by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The university was also named a Diversity Champion.
As a recipient of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing United States colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — UAB will be featured among other recipients in the November 2021 of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This is UAB’s fifth HEED award since 2016 and fourth consecutive Diversity Champion win.
“We are proud to be recognized again by INSIGHT Into Diversity,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “Our institution cherishes our Shared Values that include integrity, respect, diversity and inclusiveness. Our Student Affairs’ Multicultural and Diversity Programs and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, among many other student, faculty and staff groups and initiatives, do a tremendous job in bringing these values to life.”
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected UAB as a HEED Award recipient for its extensive diversity and inclusion efforts.
“In the past year, UAB’s faculty, staff and students have not only shown their resiliency amid a global pandemic, they have also shown a commitment to further social justice and equity at our university and beyond,” said Paulette Patterson Dilworth, Ph.D., UAB vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Through initiatives such as the Civic Engagement Academy and Racial Equity and Justice Task Force, and resources including the university’s new Faculty Search Guide and Inclusive Language Guide and Course, UAB is continuing the work of making our university a welcoming, inclusive environment.”
“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,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity. “We take a detailed 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 done every day across their campus.”
For more information about the 2021 HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.