For the third year in a row, West Chester University holds the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. INSIGHT is the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. 103 colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada were selected.  

The HEED award measures the level of achievement and commitment to broadening diversity on campus through initiatives, programs, and outreach. It also measures student recruitment, retention, and completion; and hiring practices for faculty and staff.  

“We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

West Chester received this award through co-leading the Mowon Shot for Equity mission. It teamed up with Delaware County Community College and education firm EAB. This joint initiative uses research-based practices to remove systemic barriers and help more students complete college degrees. It aims to limit student equity gaps by 2030.

The university also exponentially grew undergraduate and graduate student membership in Tri-Alpha Honor Society for first-generation college students.  

“The HEED Award demonstrates engagement in an array of best practices, in addition to innovation and a collective commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said WCU Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Tracey Ray Robinson. “We are so proud to receive this national recognition for the third time. Diversity is broadly defined and this award recognizes how the University goes the extra mile.”  

West Chester University and the other award recipients are featured in the November 2022 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.  

Learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion at West Chester University.