Virginia Tech received the 2019 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

As a recipient of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — Virginia Tech will be featured in the November 2019 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

This is the fourth year Virginia Tech has been named as a HEED Award Diversity Champion recipient.
 
"At Virginia Tech, diversity and inclusion are core values that are rooted in our daily lives,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “Diverse ideas, peoples, and cultures are part of a rich educational experience that contributes to the success of our graduates and the impact of our research.”
 
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected Virginia Tech as a Diversity Champion because the institution makes diversity and inclusion top initiatives. Diversity Champions exemplify an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their campus communities, across academic programs, and at the highest administrative levels.

A limited number of colleges and universities — about 20 each year — across the nation have been selected for this honor. Known for visionary leadership, Diversity Champions are institutions that set the standard for thousands of other campus communities striving for diversity and inclusion. They develop successful strategies and programs, which then serve as models of excellence for other institutions.

Diversity Champion schools exceed everyday expectations, often eclipsing their own goals. Selected institutions rank in the top tier of Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipients. The HEED Award is presented annually by INSIGHT Into Diversity to recognize colleges and universities that are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
 
Virginia Tech has integrated its commitment to diversity and inclusion into its new strategic plan — The Virginia Tech Difference: Advancing Beyond Boundaries. The plan establishes four overarching strategic priorities:

  • Advance Regional, National, and Global Impact.
  • Elevate the Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) Difference.
  • Be a Destination for Talent.
  • Ensure Institutional Excellence.

The Ut Prosim Difference integrates InclusiveVT - the university's institutional and individual commitment to Ut Proism (That I May Serve) in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence — with its motto, Ut Prosim.

Much has been done, but much remains. In three years, the Office for Inclusion and Diversity has successfully developed, integrated, and activated a multitude of programs that support InclusiveVT.

“We are proud to be honored for the fourth straight year as a Diversity Champion," said Menah Pratt-Clarke, vice president for diversity, inclusion, and strategic affairs. "This recognition is consistent with our focus on promoting sustainable transformation at Virginia Tech around inclusion and diversity. We stand firm as we collectively embody InclusiveVT."

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