News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has received the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This is the fourth consecutive year that SIUE has earned the distinction.

As a recipient of the annual HEED Award—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion— SIUE will be featured along with 79 other recipients in the November 2017 edition of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

“Dr. Venessa Brown’s leadership in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion reinforces SIUE’s mission of shaping a changing world within our campus community,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “I would also like to thank the Diversity Council, which represents many different groups, for their work in promoting and enhancing diversity at SIUE. To be honored in this fashion for the fourth consecutive year underlines the strength of the University’s commitment.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected SIUE based on its exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the ability to embrace a broad definition of diversity on campus, including gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities, members of the LGBT community and others.

“SIUE values and appreciates a diverse and inclusive campus community,” said Dr. Venessa A. Brown, associate chancellor for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. “We are intentional about discussing various issues in our state, region, nation and world that impact our campus culture. Our strong commitment to diverse programming, and our diversity and inclusion online learning community position SIUE as a model for the region.”

 Brown listed examples of upcoming diversity programs at SIUE:

• Book Club
Speak Right On: Conjuring the Slave Narrative of Dred Scott, Sept. 8 and 22
• Open Campus Community Conversations, Sept. 8 and 29
• National Day of Encouragement, Sept. 12
• Celebrating Hispanic Heritage at SIUE, Sept. 18
• Fall Conference: Race Dynamics & Racism on Today’s Campus, Oct. 10
• Celebrating National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11
• United Nations Day, Oct. 11
• Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Oct. 25
• World AIDS Day, Dec. 1

“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 magazine. “We take a holistic 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 accomplished every day across their campus.”

For more information about the magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.

About INSIGHT Into Diversity

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the oldest and largest diversity publication in higher education today and is known for its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as profiles of best practices and exemplary programs. Readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.