VCU news

By Brian McNeill

Virginia Commonwealth University is a recipient of the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, marking the seventh time VCU has received the national honor that recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

VCU is one of a small number of universities to also be designated as a Diversity Champion, a special honor for schools that rank in the top tier of HEED Award recipients and that exemplify a commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout campus communities, across academic programs and at the highest administrative levels.

It is the sixth straight year VCU has achieved recognition as a Diversity Champion.

“We are proud that VCU continues to be a leader for advancing diversity and inclusion in higher education, evident by its sixth-year recognition as a Diversity Champion,” said Faye Z. Belgrave, Ph.D., vice president for inclusive excellence and chief diversity officer. “VCU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in curriculum, programs and services leads to student success and graduation, and employee well-being and retention. Our diversity awards speak to our efforts to ensure everyone at VCU feels valued and supported, regardless of background.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity selected VCU because of the university’s numerous programs and initiatives that support diversity, equity and inclusion.

VCU is dedicated to supporting inclusive environments, as reflected by the university’s Quest 2028: One VCU Together We Transform theme of “diversity driving excellence,” which states: “We champion diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do and advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity also recognized three schools and one college at VCU through its 2024 Health Professions HEED Awards, which recognize accredited health professions schools in the U.S. and Canada that are committed to making diversity and inclusion a top priority.

The VCU College of Health Professions received a HEED Award for the second year in a row, and it is joined this year by the School of Dentistry, the School of Nursing and the School of Medicine.

“This award is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to advancing an inclusive academic community,” said Amy R. Darragh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Professions. “We are honored to be nationally recognized for excellence in diversity for a second consecutive year, and we will continue our intentional efforts and initiatives to build a stronger culture that embodies our core values and ensures access and opportunities for every individual.”

Lyndon F. Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of School of Dentistry, said the school is excited and honored to be recognized.

“Every day, the School of Dentistry works toward fulfilling our goal of diversity and inclusive excellence,” Cooper said. “This HEED Award acknowledges our intentionality and celebrates the efforts of many in our school, our health sciences campus and the university around inclusive excellence.”

Patricia A. Kinser, Ph.D., interim dean and Judith B. Collins and Joseph M. Teefey Distinguished Professor at the School of Nursing, said: “The VCU School of Nursing’s selection as a recipient of the Health Professions HEED Award reflects our commitment to integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into every aspect of our educational programs, research and community engagement initiatives. This recognition highlights our school’s value of fostering an inclusive environment for our students, faculty and staff, who are highly motivated to work together in creating a more just and equitable health care landscape.”

Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine, said the school is “proud and humbled to be selected as a 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award winner.”

“Talent comes from everywhere, and from the faculty we hire and promote to the learners we teach and mentor, our school reflects the beauty and breadth of the communities we serve,” Saavedra said. “This recognition from Insight Into Diversity is testament to our unwavering belief that healthy and successful communities value diversity as a strength, not a weakness; believe equity is essential, not a luxury; and know that inclusion is empowering and indispensable to the highest expression of our educational mission.”