Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) has received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. The award comes from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest publication dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion practices in higher education. The college also received the award in 2015, 2016 and 2018.
“This national honor recognizes institutions that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment,” said Dr. Dawn Lindsay, AACC’s president. “Through the leadership of the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Leadership (IDEAL Office), AACC works to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and accessibility throughout the college. Our Student Achievement and Success Program and Black Male Institute were especially noted for their efforts to assist historically underrepresented and first-generation students.”
AACC, along with 15 other community college recipients, is featured in the magazine's November/December issue. The magazine takes a holistic approach to reviewing all applicants.
“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," said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “The winning institutions consistently demonstrate best practices and set the standards for other colleges and universities.”
For information about the HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.