From left: Medical students Josh Autaubo, Deserée Jones, Juan del Rosario and Faiz Safdar gather outside the North Hall on the OSU Center for Health Sciences campus in Tulsa. OSU-CHS was recently recognized with a national HEED Award for the second time.

OSU-CHS recognized with national diversity award for second time

Monday, October 24, 2022

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

For the second consecutive year, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences has received a Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine.

The national award recognizes medical colleges and universities in the United States that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Brenda Davidson, assistant dean of diversity at OSU-CHS, said it’s an incredible accomplishment to be the recipient of a Health Professions HEED Award two years in a row.

“We are honored to be recognized once again for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion and our continued commitment to enhancing our initiatives at OSU-CHS,” Davidson said. “Receiving this award showcases our pledge to create an open, safe environment in order that every student, resident, faculty and staff member can feel like they belong and that their voice is heard.”

OSU-CHS, along with 64 other recipients, will be featured in the December 2022 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

“This prestigious national award honors our school’s exemplary leadership and commitment to promoting and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives throughout our campuses and communities."

— Brenda Davidson, Assistant Dean of Diversity

“The Health Professions 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. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

Davidson said in 2020, OSU-CHS created the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion along with the DEI Committee made up of students, staff, residents and faculty with the goal of ensuring everyone affiliated with the institution feels included, respected, welcome and valued.