Oklahoma State University again recognized as a ‘Diversity Champion’

Friday, September 14, 2018

The commitment to creating a culture of inclusion at Oklahoma State University is again being nationally recognized. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity publication and website in higher education today, has recognized Oklahoma State University as a 2018 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award recipient and a 2018 Diversity Champion.

“OSU is a visionary leader among institutions of higher education striving for inclusive excellence throughout their campus,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity. “As a Diversity Champion school, OSU exceeds everyday expectations by developing successful strategies and programs that serve as models of excellence for other higher education institutions.”

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 throughout their campus, OSU will be featured, along with 95 other recipients, in the November 2018 HEED Award issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity. OSU is one of 10 institutions across the country to have earned this prestigious award for seven consecutive years.

“We are honored to once again receive higher education’s most prestigious national diversity award,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “Our ongoing work and commitment to diversity is helping Oklahoma State create a welcoming and inclusive campus for all students, employees and visitors.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity also recognizes selected institutions — those that rank in the top tier of HEED Award recipients — as Diversity Champions. These institutions exemplify an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their campus communities, across academic programs, and at the highest administrative levels. Known for visionary leadership, Diversity Champions serve as role models and set the standard for thousands of U.S. college campuses striving for inclusive excellence. Under the leadership of Hargis, OSU continues its prominence as a national leader and role model for diversity and inclusion.

“OSU is again excited and honored to be recognized for our significant and sustained commitment to achieving inclusive excellence,” said Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, OSU vice president and chief diversity officer. “OSU’s continued national recognition reflects   our commitment to achieving an open, welcoming and respectful university system. Greater efforts on behalf of the institution and campus communities are necessary to advance the culture of inclusion at OSU; however, the work presently currently occurring in all areas of the university is pretty special and spectacular.”

For more information about the HEED Award or the Diversity Champion recognition, visit insightintodiversity.com.