National award honors university's commitment to diversity
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015
MANHATTAN — For the second consecutive year, Kansas State University is being recognized for its dedication to diversity and its successful diversity initiatives.
The university has received a 2015 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED award, from INSIGHT into Diversity magazine. The university also received the 2014 HEED award.
The HEED award annually recognizes U.S. colleges and institutions that are committed to diversity and inclusion. Kansas State University was one of 92 colleges chosen nationally this year and the only higher education institution in Kansas to receive the designation this year.
"It's wonderful to have the university's achievements in diversity and inclusive excellence recognized again for the second year straight," said Myra Gordon, associate provost for diversity. "I wish to thank everyone across the university who has made this award possible. Excellence in multiculturalism and diversity is a critical part of reaching Top 50 status. I would venture to say we are standing right at that door. It's just wonderful."
Universities are chosen for the HEED award based on their diversity initiatives and their inclusion of all aspects of diversity: gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LGBT community.
Successful diversity initiatives at Kansas State University have included Project IMPACT, which is a best-practice pipeline of programs to recruit, graduate and place record numbers of multicultural students in agriculture, business and engineering fields; high-quality campuswide programs such as Diversity Summits and MLK Observances, which bring all campus groups together; and award-winning personnel and services for the LGBT community as well as for military-connected individuals.
