Media Advisory: Wake Forest University wins INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s Excellence in Diversity Award

For its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Wake Forest University has received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

The HEED awards honor U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.  The magazine announced the 48 recipients of the new HEED awards on its website Nov. 13 and will feature the winners in the December 2012 issue.

Award recipients were selected based on their institution’s exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives and the “institution’s level of success with regard to diversity and inclusion among its students, suppliers, faculty and administrative staffs.”

In addition to diversity efforts related to gender, race and ethnicity, schools were evaluated on initiatives related to veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LGBT community.

“On behalf of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Team, it is an honor to receive this distinction for the work we do to weave diversity and inclusion into the fabric of our institutional culture,” said Barbee Oakes, assistant provost for diversity and inclusion. “ From senior administration to facilities and campus services employees, we believe respecting others, embracing diversity, and valuing difference is essential. We are very pleased INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine acknowledges our commitment across the university.”

Earlier this year, Oakes was named one of “25 Women Making a Difference” by Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

“We hope the HEED award serves as a reminder that diversity and inclusion must remain priorities in the 21st century higher education landscape,” said Lenore Pearstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.  “Every college and university should recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion as being part of their everyday life on campus. Our students of today are the employees of tomorrow and the future of our country.  As students begin to enter the workforce and a global society, they must first be surrounded by and supported by faculty and staff that understand the differences among cultures and their needs.”

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About INSIGHT Into Diversity
INSIGHT Into Diversity is the oldest and largest diversity magazine and website in higher education today. For nearly 40 years, INSIGHT Into Diversity has been connecting employees with institutions and businesses that embrace a workforce that is reflective of the world around us.  Our decades of experience in recruiting employees from all underrepresented groups has earned us a reputation in higher education, business, and government  for finding the most dynamic talent in every field. INSIGHT Into Diversity successfully connects employers to the most highly qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, medical condition or history, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.

About Wake Forest University: Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.

Categories: Media Advisory