Virginia Tech’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognized for the eighth consecutive year, as the university wins the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. This achievement showcases the university’s dedication to creating an inclusive campus community.
Virginia Tech’s Ongoing Success in Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Virginia Tech has once again been honored with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, marking the university’s eighth consecutive year of receiving this prestigious recognition. The award, presented by The INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, acknowledges institutions that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their campus communities.
As a Diversity Champion, Virginia Tech has showcased its dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion across academic programs, administrative levels, and campus communities. The university’s efforts have been recognized not only by the magazine but also by its students, alumni, and staff, who have urged the institution to live up to its mission and values.
President Tim Sands expressed his gratitude for the award and emphasized the university’s commitment to creating a more inclusive campus. He stated, “We are honored to be recognized for eight consecutive years and will continue working toward a more inclusive campus where every student has access to rich educational experiences that put them on a path to a productive life and career.”
The recognition extends beyond the main campus, as the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine also received the Health Professions Higher Education in Diversity Award for the sixth year in a row. This achievement highlights the university’s comprehensive approach to promoting diversity and inclusion across various disciplines.
Ellington Graves, the interim senior associate vice provost for the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, credited the community’s commitment to InclusiveVT as a driving force behind Virginia Tech’s continued success. He expressed his appreciation for the acknowledgment, stating, “The opportunity to celebrate the work along the path is essential to persistence, and we thank INSIGHT into Diversity for the honor.”
The INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest publication focused on diversity in higher education, will feature Virginia Tech and other award recipients in its upcoming November/December 2023 issue. The magazine’s publisher, Lenore Pearlstein, highlighted the rigorous application process for the HEED Award, which assesses various aspects of campus diversity and inclusion, including recruitment and retention of students and employees, leadership support, campus culture, and supplier diversity.
Pearlstein emphasized the high standards used to determine award recipients, stating, “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.”
Virginia Tech’s continued success in promoting diversity and inclusion serves as an inspiration for other institutions and reaffirms the importance of creating inclusive environments in higher education. The university’s commitment to InclusiveVT and its dedication to providing rich educational experiences for all students contribute to its ongoing path to diversity and inclusion.
By consistently prioritizing diversity and inclusion, Virginia Tech sets an example for other universities and demonstrates the positive impact that a diverse and inclusive campus can have on students, faculty, and staff. As the university continues its journey towards a more inclusive future, it will undoubtedly inspire others to follow suit and create a more equitable and diverse higher education landscape.
