ECU recognized for diversity
East Carolina University has been recognized once again for its commitment to diversity by two publications that focus on diversity in higher education.
For the sixth year in a row, ECU has received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award sponsored by Insight into Diversity magazine. The award recognizes colleges and universities in the U.S. that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The award process involves a comprehensive and rigorous application and includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees and best practices, said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of the magazine.
From left, students Sarah Marisa Mee, Daquevon Rogers and Kia Miller work together in Garrett Residence Hall. (Contributed photos)
“Our standards are high and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across their campus,” said Pearlstein.
There are several programs that made ECU stand out from the competition. These programs, ranging from providing easily accessible data about the campus’ diversity to faculty programs and student groups, encourage the success of women and minority students.
ECU’s Associate Provost for Equity and Diversity LaKesha Forbes points out it isn’t the work of one group or program on campus, but a collaborative effort that makes ECU an inclusive working, learning and living community.
Those programs include Barbershop Talk, a leadership series that explores the personal journeys and unwritten rules for minority males in professional settings to assist men of color in their pursuit to become professionals and leaders at ECU. The Visiting Faculty and Scholars program brings diverse visiting faculty and emerging scholars to conduct research or present on topics related to inclusion, equity, diversity and cultural competence.
“We remain fully committed to diversity and inclusion at ECU and strive for our campus to be reflective of the population of the society we live in today,” said Forbes.
ECU will be featured with 79 other colleges and universities in the magazine’s November 2017 issue.
From left, Korey Kuhlman, Austin Stewart and Taron Fenner.
Top 100 Degrees Conferred
Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine released the Top 100 Degrees Conferred rankings on Aug. 24. ECU was one of the the top 100 colleges or universities in 47 categories ranging from total undergraduate and graduate degrees to individualized programs.
The rankings look at the number of degrees awarded to minority students by colleges and universities across the country in dozens of categories.
ECU ranked No. 47 for the number of African-Americans who receive bachelor’s degrees and was in the top 100 for the number of Native American students who earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees, ranked 51 and 43 respectively.
“The diversity of our student body continues to grow. And as we become even more diverse, we remain steadfast in our intentionality to provide all students with the environment and support to be successful and a classroom experience that prepares them for the multicultural workplace and our global economy,” said Forbes.
Additionally, ECU was 47th on the list of traditionally white institutions who awarded degrees to African-Americans. The magazine selected the top 100 institutions out of 2,718 that were eligible.
To see ECU’s rankings, visit diverseeducation.com/top100/.
-by Jamie Smith