Texas Tech Honored with Inaugural Diversity Award
November 16, 2012
The university was one of 48 nationally to receive the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award.
Texas Tech University is one of 48 institutions of higher learning nationally and one of four Texas schools to receive the first annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
“It’s important that as a state and nation, we utilize the full range of human potential in our diverse population,” said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech interim president. “At Texas Tech we are committed to attracting students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances and providing a supportive educational experience. This award reflects a priority of our university and we are honored to receive this recognition. ”
According to the magazine, schools were selected based on the institution’s initiatives to promote diversity efforts, including race and ethnicity, gender, age, veteran status, people from LGBT communities, people with disabilities and other areas of human diversity.
“We hope the HEED award serves as a reminder that diversity and inclusion must remain priorities in the 21st century higher education landscape,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “Every college and university should recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion as being part of their everyday life on campus. Our students of today are the employees of tomorrow and the future of our country. As students begin to enter the workforce and a global society, they must first be surrounded by and supported by faculty and staff that understand the differences among cultures and their needs.”
Juan Muñoz, senior vice president for institutional diversity, equity and community engagement, said that Texas Tech remains committed to the success of students from all backgrounds, experiences and income levels.
“The manifestations of diversity, equity and access are increasingly complex within the context of higher education,” Muñoz said. “In order to educate students to succeed in truly global and dynamic marketplaces, universities must create equally dynamic and sophisticated learning environments. This award affirms that Texas Tech is doing precisely this, without sacrificing either diversity or excellence.”
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