EKU receives Excellence in Diversity award

RICHMOND, Ky. (WTVQ) – Eastern Kentucky University is one of only two institutions in Kentucky to receive the 2016 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight into Diversity magazine.

The HEED Award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. EKU will be featured along with the 82 other recipients in the November 2016 issue of Insight into Diversity magazine.

“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. “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.”

Eastern boasts a variety of programs that promote the value of diversity campus-wide as well as a new scholarship program.  As part of the Diversity Office Scholarship Program, 20 financial aid scholarships valued at $1,000 per academic year and 20 book scholarships valued at $500 per year will be awarded this fall.

The University Diversity Office also sponsors:

• monthly brown bag/”thinkposium” sessions and movies on relevant topics for students.
• a Minority Retention Initiative Team and other initiatives to help identify at-risk minority students.
• “Diversity Dialogues.”
• “Courageous Conversations” for faculty.
• a 20-member team of Staff Diversity Advocates.
• professional development opportunities.

For more information about the 2016 HEED Award, visit www.insightintodiversity.com.

For more information about programs and services offered by the University Diversity Office, visit diversity.eku.edu.