University is a Five-Time Recipient of the HEED Award
10/03/2024
For the fifth time, UMass Lowell’s vibrant campus community has been honored for its inclusivity with a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
The honor recognizes U.S. colleges and universities for their welcoming environment and leadership culture for students and employees of all backgrounds.
“UMass Lowell is again honored to be recognized with this award, which marks our ongoing commitment to and progress in creating a campus culture of inclusivity, fairness and respect among all students, faculty, staff and visitors,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. “We carry these values with us into the community, as we are proud to contribute to the vibrant quality of life in Lowell and the region.”
Nearly half of UMass Lowell’s student body (44.86%) identify as students of color while more than two in five (44%) are the first in their family to go to college. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the university among the nation’s Minority Serving Institutions, which play a critical role in educating and providing opportunities to underrepresented and low-income students.
Thirty-five percent of UMass Lowell students are members of the LGBTQ+ community and are supported by multiple groups and associations on campus and throughout the community of Lowell.
In addition, more than half (52%) of the university’s executive and management positions, employees with titles of director or higher, are held by women.
UMass Lowell’s exemplary mentoring, teaching, research, hiring and promotion, and recruitment and retention programs, were among the campus priorities INISGHT into Diversity evaluated in selecting the university as an award winner, according to the publication.
The magazine also named UMass Lowell a HEED Award winner in 2015, 2016, 2022 and 2023.
“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. “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 and the full list of 2024 HEED award recipients, visit insightintodiversity.com.
Media contacts: Emily Gowdey-Backus, director of media relations and Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations