University of Houston Receives Top Honors for Diversity

First Institution to Earn Three HEED Awards in the Same Year

UH becomes the first institution to earn three Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) awards in a single year, which will be presented to the University of Houston, the UH Law Center and the UH School of Nursing.

Since diversity and inclusion are hallmarks of the University of Houston, the University is honored to announce it has received three Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) awards from INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

This is the first time an institution has earned three HEED awards in a single year, which will be presented to the University of Houston, the UH Law Center and the UH School of Nursing. 

“I am overwhelmed by UH’s recognition from INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine” said Paula Myrick Short, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “For UH to be the only institution to receive three awards in a single calendar year shows the dedication of this university to creating an environment in which our faculty, staff, and students are supported and encouraged to succeed.”

The only one of its kind, the HEED Award is given annually to U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

“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 Diversity magazine. “We take a holistic 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 accomplished every day across their campus.”

UH is recognized as the second-most diverse public research university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) by the U. S. Department of Education. Students come to the University from nearly 140 nations.

UH’s multiethnic, multicultural demographics represent the future mosaic of America. The University is committed to diversity and inclusion, and many individuals and departments contribute to campus efforts to embrace the experiences of all campus constituents.

This award is an opportunity to celebrate those accomplishments, while maintaining the commitment to the pursuit of inclusive excellence.