Press Release for Monday, September 20, 2021

UNF recognized as Diversity Champion in 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award

The University of North Florida received the 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine and is recognized as a Diversity Champion, scoring in the top tier of all HEED Award institutions.

This is the seventh year that UNF has won the award and been recognized for its steadfast commitment to diversity. The annual HEED award is presented by the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This national honor recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

“The University is honored to continue to receive this significant recognition highlighting the diverse and welcoming campus environment we strive to provide for our students, faculty and staff,” said Whitney Meyer, UNF VP and chief diversity officer. “We are so grateful to the talented and caring internal and external partners who work with us every day to build an inclusive environment at UNF.” 

Among UNF’s many committed actions and programs to increase understanding of diversity and inclusiveness on campus, the University unveiled a new Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence this past year. The comprehensive plan identifies opportunities for greater alignment and more unified diversity efforts across campus including training on diversity, inclusion and racial equality; reviewing strategies, policies, learning and research; improving community relations; and focusing on the recruitment, retention and admission of faculty, staff and students of color.  

A few other key programs aimed at promoting diversity at UNF include the Community Alliance for Student Success, Fearless Woman initiative, Commission on Diversity and Inclusion, Intercultural Center, LGBTQ Center, Interfaith Center and OneJax. 

The annual HEED Award is the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. For more information about the 2021 HEED Award, visit www.insightintodiversity.com.