The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has won the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Diversity Champion Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
The HEED Award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities with an exemplary commitment to diversity and inclusion. VUSN has received the HEED Award four years in a row. Institutions ranked in the top tier of the HEED Award winners are named Diversity Champions, exceeding everyday expectations. Previously, VUSN has received the HEED Award four years in a row.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Rolanda Johnson, PhD, MSN, FAAN, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “We are committed to our efforts to create equal opportunities for all at VUSN.”
VUSN will be featured along with 113 other award winners for this year’s HEED Award in the November/December 2024 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Awardees include undergraduate institutions, law and graduate schools, and community colleges.
“Being a Diversity Champion underscores our community’s dedication to equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Pamela Jeffries, PhD, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, dean and the Valere Potter Distinguished Professor of Nursing. “We are fortunate to have faculty and staff dedicated to these principles, and we will continue to champion equity in all facets.”
“The HEED 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 — leadership support for diversity, campus culture and climate, supplier diversity, and many other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “Diversity Champions exemplify an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their campus communities, across academic programs, and at the highest administrative levels.”
For more information on the HEED Award and Diversity Champion recognition, visit the INSIGHT Into Diversity website.