UC Merced Receives Second Consecutive HEED Award For DEI Efforts

UC Merced has received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, making it the second straight year the university has earned the distinction. The award, given by Insight Into Diversity magazine, recognizes institutions of higher education for their outstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

As a recipient of the HEED Award, UC Merced will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity along with the rest of the honorees. Over the years, the magazine has become a leader in advancing best practices in DEI in higher education.

"Earning the HEED Award for two consecutive years is a significant accomplishment that highlights our institution's unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive excellence," said Delia Saenz, UC Merced vice chancellor and chief diversity officer. "In the dynamic landscape of higher education, where DEI challenges are on the rise, the recognition reinforces our position as a leader in promoting a truly inclusive academic environment that fosters innovation, cultivates leadership, and prepares students for success in an increasingly diverse global workforce."

According to the Insight Into Diversity website, the HEED awards are the only national awards that honor individual institutions for being outstanding examples of universities that are committed to making diversity and inclusion a top priority across their campuses. Selection for the HEED award is a months-long process by a committee that measures several aspects with respect to DEI.

"The HEED Award selection process is rigorous, assessing the recruitment and retention of students and faculty, pathway programs, community partnerships, leadership support for DEI initiatives, and a comprehensive list of other considerations," said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher. "The winning institutions consistently demonstrate best practices and set the standards for other colleges and universities."

The HEED Award is the latest accolade UC Merced has received for its work in the DEI space. Most recently, the university was named a 2025 Equity and Inclusion College of Distinction for fostering an inclusive environment on campus in its pursuit of success for all students.

For more information about the HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.