Binghamton University has received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from *INSIGHT Into Diversity* magazine, marking its fourth consecutive year as a recipient of this accolade. The HEED Award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
Acknowledgment and Recognition
Included among a select group of State University of New York (SUNY) institutions, Binghamton University will be featured alongside 114 other awardees in the November/December 2024 issue of the magazine. The award acknowledges the university’s initiatives to create an inclusive environment, as highlighted by Karen Jones, vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jones underscored the need for ongoing dedication to these principles.
Diversity Programs and Initiatives
Binghamton’s recognition is attributed to various programs aimed at enhancing campus diversity, such as the Watson College Scholars Program and the School of Management’s Transformational Leaders Program, which focus on supporting the academic and professional growth of students from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, the university has achieved a superior rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on the National Campus Pride Index for its efforts to foster a safe and inclusive atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community.
Commitment to Diverse Staffing
The university’s commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse staff through equitable hiring practices and the establishment of affinity groups further contributed to this recognition. President Harvey Stenger emphasized the importance of the award in solidifying the university’s commitment to being a welcoming space for all individuals.
HEED Award Selection Process
The HEED Award selection process is described as thorough, assessing various factors, including the recruitment and retention of diverse students and faculty, the support provided for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and partnerships within the community. Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of *INSIGHT Into Diversity*, remarked that the recipient institutions exemplify best practices in the promotion of diversity.
Other Award Recipients
Other SUNY institutions also receiving the 2024 HEED Award include Farmingdale State College, Rockland Community College, Stony Brook University, SUNY Old Westbury, SUNY Oneonta, and the University at Albany, SUNY.
(Source: Binghamton University news)