09/09/2021
By Bryce Hoffman

Three diversity-focused magazines have named UMass Lowell to their lists of “Top Colleges and Universities” for 2021.

The separate honors from Black EOE Journal, Professional Woman’s Magazine and HISPANIC Network Magazine were based on detailed surveys concerning student recruitment, faculty and staff initiatives, representation and overall climate around diversity, equity and inclusion.

DiversityComm Inc. publishes all three titles. The company called honorees “leaders in the quest for true diversity.”

Lowell was the only UMass campus to earn a place on the lists. Other Massachusetts colleges and universities to receive honors were Harvard, Tufts, MIT, Brandeis, Boston College and Boston University.

Image by Tory Wesnofske

“Creating an atmosphere at UMass Lowell that supports and advances diversity is one of our highest priorities,” says Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney. “We are proud of our progress, but we know there is more to do.”

In 2020, the university announced the formation of a Council on Social Justice & Inclusion with associated task forces on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Gender and Sex-based Discrimination Prevention.

The task forces are responsible for driving the university’s strategies to ensure and promote a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, says Clara Reynolds, associate vice chancellor for Equal Opportunity and Outreach, Diversity and Inclusion.

“Substantive change happens when we work together, listen and are open to new perspectives,” Reynolds says. “Creating a welcoming and safe environment is the responsibility of all of us, and together we can make this happen.”

For more information about UMass Lowell’s diversity initiatives, visit UML's Diversity Portal.