Clemson University receives 2019 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award

CLEMSON — Clemson University 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 — Clemson University will be featured in the November 2019 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity.

Due to the overwhelming success of the Men of Color National Summit and a combination of all the university’s diversity initiatives, Clemson previously earned the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award in 2017 and 2018.

“Receiving the HEED Award has helped to bring national attention to Clemson for our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said President James P. Clements. “We still have work to do in this area, but this recognition is a sign that we are making progress, and that helps keep us motivated as we push to do more.”

The award underscores the importance of goals outlined in the university’s 10-year strategic plan and how the school’s Division of Inclusion and Equity has partnered with a number of campus units to create programming beneficial to all members of the Clemson family. Specifically, the university’s Search Advocate Program promotes equity in all faculty and staff searches and the Tiger Alliance program has built pathways to higher education, establishing a university-going culture in families, schools and communities of high school men of color in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Another initiative, the institution’s Chief Diversity Officer Advisory Board, leverages the thought leadership of  chief diversity officers from across the nation to provide university leaders guidance and support and inform faculty and students about global competencies necessary for success in today’s workplace, all while providing students a pipeline of opportunities into their organizations, which are some of America’s most successful corporations.

“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 — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversitymagazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our 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 more information about the 2019 HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.

Clemson University

Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university in South Carolina that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit, and a competitive drive to excel. Founded in 1889, Clemson remains committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. The campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake and has research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina in Greenville, Greenwood, Anderson, Columbia and Charleston. The research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects led by the faculty and students are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

INSIGHT Into Diversity
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the oldest and largest diversity publication in higher education today and is well-known for its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as profiles of best practices and exemplary programs. Readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.