For the second year in a row, Cornell University has been awarded the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, recognizing the institution’s exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusion. This award is the only national recognition that honors higher education institutions for their achievements and dedication to enhancing diversity and inclusion on campus.

This past year, Cornell made considerable progress in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through a wide array of initiatives. The Department of Inclusion and Belonging is responsible for several of these efforts, offering programs and advocacy to foster an inclusive environment where staff and faculty feel a strong sense of belonging. Key initiatives include the Inclusive Excellence Network and Inclusive Excellence Podcast, which provide platforms for colleagues to share experiences and insights into building a more inclusive workplace. Additionally, Cornell’s Colleague Network Groups (CNGs) provide support for underrepresented employees and their allies through professional development, mentorship and opportunities for community engagement.

In addition to supporting staff and faculty, Cornell is committed to fostering diversity within its student body. The university actively supports underrepresented students in STEM fields through its Diversity Programs in Engineering (DPE) while empowering diverse student voices through over 1,000 student organizations, including more than 50 cultural and identity-based groups. 

Beyond student-focused initiatives, Cornell has prioritized ongoing DEI education through programs like the Intergroup Dialogue Project and the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Programs. 

“It makes me proud to work at Cornell and to see the university’s exceptional work in diversity and inclusion recognized by this HEED Award,” said Avery August, Ph.D. ’94, deputy provost and presidential adviser for diversity and equity. August has been instrumental in developing the Belonging at Cornell framework, which aims to create a more diverse and inclusive environment for faculty, staff and students.

 “Since its founding, Cornell has consistently worked to ensure that all feel welcome here. This award serves as external validation of our ongoing efforts to be a better, more inclusive institution,” August added.  

Sonia Rucker, associate vice president of Inclusion and Belonging, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of this recognition. 

“This award is incredibly meaningful, and being honored for the second consecutive year is a major accomplishment. It is a testament to Cornell’s sustained commitment to being a community that respects and values DEI,” Rucker said.

According to Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the HEED Award selection process is rigorous, assessing the recruitment and retention of students and faculty, pathway programs, community partnerships, leadership support for DEI initiatives and a comprehensive list of other considerations.

Rucker emphasized the essential role that leadership plays in being considered for this award. She praised Christine Lovely, vice president and chief human resources officer, for cultivating a culture where diversity, equity and inclusion are shared responsibilities across the university. 

“I am fortunate to work directly with Christine, who is such a strong advocate for DEI,” Rucker said. “At other institutions, I’ve seen DEI efforts face backlash or even entire offices and programs be dismantled and defunded. It’s devastating to see this happening, especially when so many individuals have dedicated their entire careers to making their campus communities more open, inclusive and equitable. At Cornell, I’m proud to be part of an institution that understands, upholds and respects these values.”

Based on current efforts and initiatives across the university, Cornell is focused on actionable strategies to foster a welcoming campus culture. The university aims to enhance the recruitment, retention and success of underrepresented groups while conducting ongoing climate assessments, supporting wellbeing and ensuring that all community members feel valued and included.

“This recognition is a tremendous source of pride,” said Lovely. “It reaffirms Cornell’s longstanding tradition of welcoming ‘any person and any study,’ both in principle and in practice. I hope this inspires our community to continue valuing diversity in all its forms, reinforcing our commitment to creating an inclusive and forward-thinking environment. Together, we can ensure that Cornell remains a leader in demonstrating the many benefits of embracing and valuing diversity.” 

Cornell is one of 114 higher education institutions that was selected as recipients of the 2024 HEED Award and will be featured in the November/December issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.