The University of Pittsburgh was honored with a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award

The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The honor recognizes higher education institutions that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. Pitt was one of only two institutions in the commonwealth chosen for the honor.

This recognition was based upon a holistic review of the University’s efforts relating to diversity and inclusion. “The HEED application process was an opportunity to rigorously assess our practices on an institutional level, and to receive the award is a wonderful recognition of the work of so many people across the University, both those engaged in longstanding programs and those creating new initiatives,” said Pam Connelly, vice chancellor of diversity and inclusion. “Because the challenges surrounding diversity and inclusion clearly persist, this award will serve as a motivator to continue our progress.”

Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, said: “It was evident in our review that there are many programs and initiatives in place to recruit and retain underrepresented students and employees, and that the leadership, faculty and staff are all committed to diversity and inclusion across the University of Pittsburgh campus.”