The Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions has received the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

This is the second consecutive year the College has received the award, which recognizes U.S. health colleges and universities who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. They are joined this year by the VCU School of Dentistry the VCU School of Medicine, and the VCU School of Nursing.

“Inclusive excellence and belonging are not something we should do, yet they are part of our being, and how we are in community with one another,” said Rev. Marilyn J. D. Barnes, M.P.H., BCC, interim associate dean of inclusive excellence and belonging at the VCU College of Health Professions. “I am truly grateful for the College’s DEI committee and proud of their ongoing efforts to promote an inclusive learning and work environment for all.”

As a recipient of the annual Health Professions HEED Award, the College will be featured, along with 70 other recipients, in the November/ December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.

“This award is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to advancing an inclusive academic community,” said Amy R. Darragh, Ph.D., dean of the VCU College of Health Professions. “We are honored to be nationally recognized for excellence in diversity for a second consecutive year, and we will continue our intentional efforts and initiatives to build a stronger culture that embodies our core values, and ensures access and opportunities for every individual.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected the VCU College of Health Professions based on a number of initiatives, such as fostering a welcoming an inclusive research environment; promoting a safe culture that encourages learning and critical thinking; and also featuring distinguished thought leaders and experts who share perspectives, stories and diverse ideas as a way to inspire a culture of inclusion and engagement.

“The Health Professions HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

Learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the College of Health Professions. Virginia Commonwealth University also received the 2024 HEED Award.

For more information about the 2024 INSIGHT Into Diversity Health Professions HEED Award, and to see a full list of all honorees, visit the Insight into Diversity website.

The VCU College of Health Professions is a nationally recognized leader in the education of health providers and leaders, and cultivates an interprofessional approach to training. The College offers curricula at the baccalaureate, master's, post-graduate and doctoral levels designed to prepare health care professionals for roles in a variety of clinical, teaching, and community health and wellness settings. For more, visit the College of Health Professions' website.

About INSIGHT Into Diversity 

Insight Into Diversity magazine is the leader in advancing best practices in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in higher education. Through thought-provoking print and online articles, they share expert advice, resources, in-depth profiles of top DEI programs at colleges and universities, headline news, and much more to help keep readers informed and empower them to advance DEI initiatives at their institutions. Learn more at the Insight into Diversity website.