In celebration of INSIGHT Into Diversity’s 50th anniversary, members of our Editorial Board share their thoughts on our progress in advancing best practices in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and beyond over the last five decades.
“Never has INSIGHT Into Diversity been more needed in higher education. While diversity, equity, and inclusion are being treated as a hyperbolic football by those with political aspirations, the fact remains that faculty and administrators on campuses will continue to need to meet the contemporary expectations of students who want to be prepared academically and socially to live in a multicultural, complex world. INSIGHT reminds us of this inexorable fact while providing the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to meet the moment we all find ourselves in.”
Deb Dagit, President
Deb Dagit Diversity LLC
“Having a publication whose sole purpose is dedicated to advancing and establishing best diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in higher education is immeasurable. INSIGHT Into Diversity keeps us informed, encourages us by showcasing what others are doing, and acknowledges those doing what they love doing! I love seeing my colleagues across the country doing what they do — shining so brightly!”
Karen A. Jones, PhD
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Binghamton University
“With the continued efforts to dismantle inclusion, equity, belonging, and diversity on college campuses and in workplaces, the need for stories and reporting on the people and practices ensuring inclusion in institutions of higher education, like the ones featured in INSIGHT Into Diversity, is even more urgent than ever to inspire and educate new generations of advocates. We look forward to 50 more years.”
Linda Akutagawa
President & CEO, LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics)
“INSIGHT Into Diversity provides a platform for diversity leaders and strategists to help others understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion extend beyond the commonly accepted two-dimensional construct focused on race and biological sex. Moreover, diversity is not a person, program, or destination, and is never fully achieved because it is an evolving, interdependent ecosystem that requires everyone’s participation. Accordingly, I believe that when you create a welcoming, supportive, and successful environment for the most underserved and underrepresented people, you create an environment that is successful for all. INSIGHT allows us to learn and teach about diversity, equity, and inclusion as we prepare for the seventh generation and beyond.”
LeManuel “Lee” Bitsóí, EdD
Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Brandeis University
At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion work is under attack across the nation, INSIGHT Into Diversity is truly invaluable in its unwavering commitment to centering the voices, work, and DEI successes of higher education institutions on a national stage. It is a beacon for institutions looking to embrace human differences.”
Robin R. Means Coleman, PhD
Vice President & Associate Provost of Diversity and Inclusion, Ida B. Wells and Ferdinand Barnett Professor of Communication Studies
Northwestern University
“INSIGHT Into Diversity has been a tremendous support to me during my time as a vice president for diversity and inclusion. During the pandemic, Holly and Lenore were opened to hosting virtual sessions to highlight experiences of Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Desi Americans as well as African Americans.These roundtables were invaluable during a time when no one was meeting in person and really helped to create solidarity among communities of color. It gave me an opportunity to hear from others what they were doing to create campuses that were more inclusive. I hope the next 50 years of the magazine continues to be as impactful as the first 50 and I’m proud to be a board member to help move these efforts forward.”
Gigi Secuban, EdD
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
Texas State University
“INSIGHT Into Diversity plays a pivotal role nationally in higher education, catalyzing awareness and discussion on pressing matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Serving as a beacon, it illuminates scholarly articles that spur pedagogical and instructional innovation, fostering a collaborative spirit essential in shaping robust equity frameworks in higher education. In an era when universities are prioritizing equity, the existence of a national publication that showcases groundbreaking equity work is vital. It elevates the discourse and highlights the transformative impact on students, faculty, and staff.”
Lee Gill, JD
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
University of Louisville
“INSIGHT Into Diversity is a bright light in an increasingly resistant political landscape, where we no longer have enough outlets to illuminate our society’s contested aspirations for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We need INSIGHT Into Diversity to continue offering a lens to maintain as transparent a culture as possible. As the oldest and most “robust diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused magazine” in higher education, the stories and voices about and by people amplify the benefit of diversity of people and perspectives.”
Paulette Patterson Dilworth, PhD
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
“Congratulations to INSIGHT Into Diversity for 50 years of leadership among publications in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices and employment opportunities in higher education. With the current challenges to DEI, and with the predicted demographic shift toward a more multiethnic America, INSIGHT will continue to be a force for progress in today’s academic workplace and beyond.”
Shirley J. Wilcher, JD
Executive Director, American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED)
“Congratulations on 50 amazing years INISGHT Into Diversity! Your diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and initiatives have been a game changer for many institutions in providing them the blueprint to develop, enhance, and strengthen their DEI strategies towards systemic changes. The HEED Award is one such initiative that has served as a growth guide and accountability for SIUE and many others. Thank you for leading the way in this space at a time such as this. Your national and international presence will continue to guide higher education as we remain on a journey to an equitable world.”
Vennessa A. Brown
Associate Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Athletics Chief Diversity Officer
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
“INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is a world-class leader in advancing best practices in DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) in higher education. By building a diverse leadership team, they have the intellectual and human capital to investigate diversity through multiple perspectives. For the last 10 years as vice president and chief diversity officer, INSIGHT has been a guiding light for me through the joy and tragedies—always providing practical tools for DEIB professionals. I feel that they offer senior leaders a proactive, multifaceted approach to cultivating DEIB implementation. It’s with great sincerity that I celebrate this magazine for deepening my understanding of the why and how of DEIB. Every month, I am excited to learn what’s next from a 30,000-foot perspective. The education you provide is the pillar to changing the world for future generations to come. “
Lisa McBride, PhD
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Professor of Medicine
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College
“INSIGHT Into Diversity has played an invaluable role in making diversity, equity, and inclusion cool in higher education. The coveted HEED Award application process provides institutions with opportunities to take stock as well as chart new initiatives. Happy 50th anniversary, INSIGHT Into Diversity! Your leadership is needed now more than ever.
Erika Henderson, EdD
Associate Provost for Faculty Recruitment and Retention, University of Houston
“The in-depth and timely articles produced by INSIGHT Into Diversity are important gems for higher education leaders. Providing the only national award (the HEED Award) on diversity and equity for higher education institutions, colleges are able to enhance our programs, acknowledge strengths and challenges, and reinvigorate our mission and vision toward producing an inclusive and quality education and campus environment for our faculty and staff, and our student population.”
Gretchel L. Hathaway, PhD
Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Franklin & Marshall College
This article was published in our October 2023 issue.
