FSU recognized as ‘Diversity Champion’ by Insight Into Diversity

INSIGHT Into Diversity - diversity champion

Florida State University has been recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine as one of seven Diversity Champion colleges and universities in the nation.

“Diversity has long been a point of pride for Florida State University and is key to providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone can thrive,” said President John Thrasher. “Receiving this distinction is a testament to our efforts to bring diversity and inclusion to the forefront of campus life. We value a multicultural student body, faculty and staff and we know they enrich our academic environment.”

Diversity Champions exemplify an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their campus communities, across academic programs and at the highest administrative levels.

“We are humbled by this honor, which is reflective of the collective efforts of our students, faculty, staff and administration,” said Renisha Gibbs, assistant vice president for Human Resources and chief of staff for the Division of Finance and Administration. “As we strive to take our diversity and inclusion efforts to even higher levels, continued acknowledgment indicates we are headed in the right direction.”

Gibbs added that the university community will continue to engage and challenge itself to be the very best that it can be.

“Our belief is that diversity is at the very core of our success in achieving that goal,” she said.

The institutions selected with Florida State in the Diversity Champion class of 2016 are Columbia University, Kennesaw State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas Tech University and the University of Central Florida. All were ranked in the top tier of the 92 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipients of 2015. The HEED Award, which FSU received in 2014 and 2015, is presented annually by INSIGHT Into Diversity to recognize colleges and universities that are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

“Florida State University is a visionary leader among campus communities striving for diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity. “As a Diversity Champion school, Florida State exceeds everyday expectations, often eclipsing even its own goals, and develops successful strategies that serve as models of excellence for other higher education institutions.”

To learn about FSU’s diversity and inclusion initiatives and learning opportunities as well as its supplier diversity program, click here. To learn more about INSIGHT Into Diversity’s Diversity Champions, visit www.insightintodiversity.com/diversity-champions.

About INSIGHT Into Diversity

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today and is known for its annual INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion in higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as explorations of best practices and profiles of exemplary programs. In its Career Center, 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.