Representatives from a select group of universities will meet at the University of Houston next week to share suggestions and success stories about incorporating diversity and inclusion in all aspects of campus life.
The conference, set for Monday and Tuesday at the Hilton University of Houston, is the first national gathering sponsored by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, which each year honors universities and programs that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. UH, the UH Law Center and the UH College of Nursing have been honored with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for each of the past two years.
“I am proud for the University of Houston to host the inaugural HEED Summit,” said Paula Myrick Short, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “The participating institutions have shown a commitment to changing what the future of higher education looks like, and I hope the discussions here prompt participants to leave reinvigorated and with the desire to drive change within their own campus communities.”
Representatives from more than 30 universities and organizations have registered to attend.
Highlights include a keynote address at noon Monday by Damon A. Williams, founder of the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership and Social Innovation and a national leader in diversity leadership and corporate social responsibility.
Breakout sessions will focus on recruiting and retaining a diverse student body and faculty, among other topics. Shirley J. Wilcher, executive director of the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity, will join a panel on how the national and local political climate affects the work.
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 by the U. S. Department of Education.
WHAT: Inaugural national HEED Award Summit, sponsored by INSIGHT into Diversity to
promote diversity and inclusion in higher education.
WHEN: Monday and Tuesday, June 18-19.
WHERE: Hilton University of Houston. Map. Parking is available in the hotel garage.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeannie Kever, 713-743-0778. Mobile, 713-504-3769. jekever@uh.edu