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For the fourth consecutive year, Millersville University is the recipient of INSIGHT into Diversity magazine’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.
The national award recognizes colleges and universities that are committed to cultivating diversity and inclusion on campus. Only 91 other universities and colleges were recipients of the HEED award this year.
“Millersville University’s commitment to diversity and equity spans decades and encompasses a variety of areas,” said Jan Bechtel, interim director of the Office of Diversity & Social Justice. “The creation and continued evolution of the three Millersville President’s Commissions for Cultural Diversity & Inclusion, Status of Women, and Gender & Sexual Diversity has truly aided in the expansion of diversity. Other areas that have brought diversity and equity to our campus include minors in African American, Latino and Women’s Studies; sustained efforts to recruit and retain diverse students, faculty and staff; the first fully inclusive residential Career & Life Studies program for students with intellectual disabilities and a myriad of programs, events and initiatives that reflect an infusion of diverse perspectives.”
In order to be considered for the award, a comprehensive application, which provides a qualitative assessment of how universities and colleges are performing as it relates to diversity and equity, must be completed. The application takes several weeks to finish and truly exemplifies a collaborative effort because it requires data and input from a multitude of departments throughout the campus community.
“Individuals take time to gather information and provide the documentation needed to respond to the questions and each year the focus and questions differ,” said Bechtel. “After the second year, we began to utilize the application as an opportunity to evaluate our existing programs, events and initiatives and identify areas of opportunity to enhance our campus community.”
Diversity is a driving force for change, academic excellence and lifelong learning. This award and the application process reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to ensure equity and opportunity, increase awareness of diversity issues through education and strengthen relationships across diverse groups.
