The University of Lynchburg has received the national Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. Presented annually to a select group of colleges and universities from across the U.S., the HEED Award recognizes “colleges and universities that are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment.”
According to Lenore Pearlstein, the magazine’s publisher, the 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.”
Pearlstein added that the “standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
For Dr. Robert Canida, Lynchburg’s director for inclusive excellence and chief diversity officer, the HEED Award is confirmation that the work he and others are doing on campus in the areas of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility is bearing fruit.
“This acknowledges that as a university community, we’re putting our time and talents — our people — into making Lynchburg a place with passion and purpose,” he said.
“I’m so grateful to our students, staff, faculty, board of trustees, alumni, and community who have been so dedicated to creating a university of true belonging, and we will continue to work each day to maintain our focus on justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility.”
