December

MSU Denver earns fifth prestigious diversity award

The Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award recognizes the University’s commitment to inclusion at all levels.

By Lindsey Coulter

December 11, 2018

Diversity and inclusion aren’t just talking points at Metropolitan State University of Denver; they are deeply held values. Thanks to numerous programs, policies and campuswide diversity and inclusion efforts, MSU Denver students, faculty and staff represent a wide variety of identities and lived experiences — and that strategic and intentional progress has not gone unnoticed.

In November, MSU Denver received its fifth consecutive INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, which annually recognizes 100 colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, out of about 500 applicants. MSU Denver’s considerable progress also earned the University its third consecutive Champion Award, given by the organization to 10 percent of HEED Award winners.

Myron Anderson, Ph.D., associate to the president for diversity and head of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, noted that the University’s continued success in diversity and inclusion is due in large part to systems and tactics such as the Campus Climate Survey and the development of Faculty Learning Communities within the Center for Teaching, Learning and Design.

“We are nationally recognized as doing it better than anyone else when it comes to diversity and inclusion,” Anderson said. “My office gets calls all the time, and we’re happy to share the knowledge and serve as a resource for other institutions trying to meet their diversity goals.”

He added that the distinction also sends a clear message to prospective students and employees that diversity and inclusion are ingrained in the MSU Denver ethos. Further, the award is acknowledgment that the University remains on track toward diversity and inclusion goals and objectives.

“It gives us information that we can use to help us advance both our diversity agenda as well as our academic agenda — and gives us a data point when applying for any grants that include elements of diversity,” he said.

Although Anderson is preparing to leave MSU Denver in January, he is confident the University can continue to serve as a diversity leader thanks to the strength of systems already in place and the commitment University leaders have shown to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusive excellence.