October 9, 2024
Kansas State University again recognized for supporting the success of diverse students
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
Insight Into Diversity magazine has recognized Kansas State University with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED, Award. This is the 11th consecutive year K-State has been named as a recipient of the award.
The award is presented to U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. K-State will be featured in the November issue of the Insight Into Diversity magazine.
"Each of our campuses — Manhattan, Olathe and Salina — celebrates a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. K-State is dedicated to providing resources and support networks for all students, learners, workforce members, alumni and collaborative partners, ensuring they feel appreciated, respected and valued across all campuses. The HEED award is reflective of our continuous commitment to student success across the university community," said Rana Johnson, vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
A key effort in the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan is the university's commitment to expanding educational access and supporting learner success. This fall, the university has experienced an increase in Pell-eligible, underrepresented and first-generation students. The Office of First-generation Students provides services for students who will be the first in their family to earn a degree, and it recently implemented high-impact practices for the first-generation students, Johnson said.
Reducing financial barriers for students is another way the university is helping students overcome financial gaps during their academic experience. Institutionalized retention grants, called Bridge Grants and Completion Grants, are used to support students who may need a financial "bridge" to complete course work or finish their last semester to earn their degree. K-State also introduced the Wildcat Opportunity Grant, which offers support to middle- to low-income families, and launched the Robert E. Campbell Scholarship, a substantial renewable scholarship for students in the University Honors Program, benefiting 43 high-achieving students this fall.
Another example of the university's commitment to academic success is the Developing Scholars Program, which supports students who have first-generation status or who have identities that are historically underrepresented in higher education, Johnson said. The university also celebrates its success with retention and graduation rates, with 96% of undergraduate students reporting being employed or continuing their studies in graduate or professional school six months after graduation.
K-State is dedicated to being a health-promoting university that fosters an environment of belonging and well-being. With the adoption of the Okanagan Charter in 2023, K-State is prioritizing the physical, mental and emotional health of the campus community. The benefits have a positive impact on the recruitment and retention of all students, including underrepresented student populations, Johnson said.
K-State is one of 113 higher education institutions to be nationally recognized by the magazine and the only Kansas institution to be recognized. Insight Into Diversity is the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.