Early Bird

Hinde named 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award winner

The School of Education dean was recognized for her efforts to improve opportunities for diverse learners on the Auraria Campus.

By Doug McPherson

April 15, 2020

Elizabeth R. Hinde, Ph.D., dean and professor of the Metropolitan State University of Denver School of Education, will receive the 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award from the Inclusive Higher Education Certificate Program.

The IHECP offers a social and educational college opportunity to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, students who would not otherwise qualify for or meet entrance requirements for college. The IHECP annually honors a person who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education and who improves opportunities for diverse learners on the Auraria Campus.

The IHECP board said in a statement that members voted unanimously to honor Hinde because she “exemplified on-campus leadership for diversity and inclusion.”

“We are pleased to honor Dr. Hinde … and we are grateful for her leadership and support,” board members wrote.

Hinde was surprised and honored by the award, noting that the organization is near and dear to her heart. She added that inclusion and diversity have always been important to her, especially since joining MSU Denver in 2014.

“The University has a long history of commitment to diversity and inclusion, and those values are equally important for us in education. They’re a part of our key values and our strategic plan in the School of Education, and that includes cognitive and developmental diversity as well,” Hinde added. “These are very important and deeply held values because a society is only as strong as its people – we need the perspectives and strengths of all our people – everyone. As educators, we teach everyone from every background. We identify their strengths, and then we work to improve those strengths. This is vital for our society as a whole to promote our own personal growth and to prepare the best teachers we can.”

Hinde added that the IHECP students “have incredibly valuable” perspectives. “Their thoughts and input are just as important as everyone else’s,” she said. “They have the capability to learn; they just learn in different ways.”

That support for the IHECP and its students extends through the School of Education staff and faculty. “We’re not supporting it to win awards; we’re supporting it because it’s the right thing to do,” Hinde said.