The Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, established by Insight Into Diversity magazine in 2012, was created to recognize and celebrate the exemplary work of colleges and universities committed to advancing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) principles. Now in its 13th year, the HEED Award remains the only national honor acknowledging outstanding DEI efforts in higher education. In today’s political climate, where these programs often face scrutiny, opposition, and legislative challenges, the award has taken on even greater significance.
When the award was first introduced, it filled a critical gap in higher education. Before 2012, there was no national recognition for diversity and inclusion efforts, and senior diversity officers rarely received credit for their accomplishments. The HEED Award not only recognizes the incredibly hard work of these leaders, their staffs, and colleagues across their campus, it also highlights the wide range of what is possible for DEI initiatives and the tremendous impact they can have. From student recruitment and retention to faculty hiring practices and community outreach, the award engages in a comprehensive review of what it means to be a truly diverse and inclusive institution of higher education.
A Response to Growing Challenges
The current political environment has created an atmosphere in which DEI spending on personnel, programs, and initiatives are increasingly targeted by state governments and governing boards. Several states, including Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, have introduced policies that either restrict or eliminate DEI offices, cut funding for programs, or reassign staff to non-DEI roles.
In response, “institutions that are still able to support diversity programming see the HEED Award as a vital opportunity to publicly showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion,” says Lenore Pearlstein, co-publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. Yet despite external pressures, the commitment of many colleges and universities to diversity and inclusion is unwavering.
“One of the things that I’ve been hearing from schools is that because DEI is very much under attack today, it’s more important than ever to talk about what you’re doing and to be recognized for that work,” she said.
Even in the shadow of these challenges, the number of schools applying for the HEED Award has grown to a record high. Many colleges and universities that previously hadn’t applied have stepped forward this year, recognizing the award as a way to validate the importance of their ongoing work in this area.
The Benefits for Institutions
Winning a HEED Award brings more than just recognition.— it can provide numerous practical benefits to an institution. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to use the HEED Award logo, a recognizable marker of excellence that can be displayed on websites, grant applications, and marketing materials. The logo serves as a clear indication to prospective students, faculty, alumni, grantors, donors, and more that the institution is fully committed to DEI for the long term.
For colleges and universities, this distinction can be a powerful tool in recruiting diverse faculty and students. Many faculty and staff members prefer to work at institutions that demonstrate inclusivity, and the HEED Award offers external validation that a campus views it as a high priority. Similarly, prospective students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, may view the award as an indication that a school offers the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed. It signals that these institutions are not only talking about diversity but are actively fostering welcoming and inclusive environments.
Pearlstein also notes that those colleges recognized for diversity, equity, and inclusion are more likely to produce graduates who are culturally competent.— a quality increasingly sought after by employers. This makes HEED Award-winning institutions attractive to both recruiters and corporate partners.
Why the HEED Award Matters
For many institutions, the award offers “ammunition in their pocket,” says Pearlstein, “not only as recognition that validates their work, but giving them the ability to secure the human and financial resources needed to ensure continued success.”
Because there is no cost to apply for the HEED Award, every institution has the opportunity to be a winner.
Looking Ahead
As DEI continues to face challenges, both political and financial, the HEED Award will likely become even more relevant in the years to come. Winning the award is not just a mark of past success — it sends a message of an ongoing commitment to DEI.
Ultimately, the HEED Award is not only a celebration of the work that has already been done, it is a call to action for the future. It reinforces the idea that efforts to enhance inclusive excellence and belonging are an opportunity for all types of schools, and as more schools seek to navigate the evolving landscape of DEI in higher education, the HEED Award will remain a vital marker of commitment and excellence.
