UWF receives 8th national excellence in diversity award
The University of West Florida has been awarded the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED, Award from INSIGHT into Diversity magazine for the sixth consecutive year and eighth time overall.
“UWF’s commitments to inclusion, civility and freedom of speech guide our efforts to provide a welcoming campus environment for all of our students and staff,” said Dr. Greg Tomso, vice president for the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs. “We are very proud to be recognized for our efforts on a national level and will continue to welcome a broad diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds on our campus.”
UWF fosters a culture of inclusion and civility by nurturing a welcoming, inclusive, equitable and respectful environment for employees, students, visitors and service partners. The University’s Office of Campus Culture and Access serves to create experiences and events that enhance a sense of belonging, open-minded and tolerant civil discourse, and intercultural awareness across the UWF community.
Two University initiatives recognized by HEED are the Holocaust Remembrance event and the Global Block Party.
In January 2023, UWF students, faculty, staff and community members came together to remember the victims and honor the lives lost during the Holocaust. Attendees heard from special guest speaker and Holocaust survivor, Dr. Leon Chameides, and enjoyed live music and refreshments.
UWF hosts more than 300 international students from more than 85 countries. In Spring 2023, UWF and community organizations partnered for the Global Block Party, an event to highlight and give appreciation to the different cultures represented at the University. Attendees enjoyed free food, a parade of flags and other internationally-focused activities.
The HEED Award is the only national honor to recognize institutions of higher education for their outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. UWF will be featured alongside 108 other HEED Award recipients in the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT into Diversity magazine.
To learn more about the HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com. For more information about UWF’s Office of Campus Culture and Access, visit uwf.edu/campusculture.
