UAB student — UAB’s BMEN mentorship program. Photo courtesy of UAB

Did you know UAB is a Diversity Champion?

Late last year, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity publication and website in higher education, recognized UAB as a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipient and a Diversity Champion for 2018.

The annual HEED Award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Selected institutions — those that rank in the top tier of HEED Award recipients — also are recognized as Diversity Champions for an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout campus communities, across academic programs and at the highest administrative levels.

14 Diversity Champions Nation-wide

Joining UAB on the list of 2018 Diversity Champions were:

Clemson University, Columbia University, Florida State University, Indiana University-Bloomington, MedUniversity of South Carolina, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Oklahoma State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas Tech University, University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky, University of North Florida and Virginia Tech

Validation

UAB Office of Diversity — In the photo, UAB’s Paulette Patterson Dilworth, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, **Tamika Pilgrom, MSW,** Program Coordinator II, School of Health Professions, Department of Health Services Administration and UAB President Ray Watts. Photo courtesy of UAB

“It’s (Diversity Champion honor) a validation that we are moving in the right direction,” said Paulette Patterson Dilworth, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at UAB. “We are making, what I would characterize, as steady and consistent progress towards sustaining diversity at UAB -moving beyond just talking about diversity, but taking action to make sure we are a fair-minded institution.”

Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine added from an interview in the UAB Reporter:

“UAB is a visionary leader among institutions of higher education striving for inclusive excellence throughout their campus. It exceeds everyday expectations by developing successful strategies and programs that serve as models of excellence for other higher education institutions.”

Led by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion some of the notable and successful diversity programs at UAB include:

Multicultural Scholars Program – A program that provides academic and financial assistance for underrepresented students.

Blazer Male Excellence Network – BMEN geared toward offering academic, social, and mentorship support to African American male students.

UAB Commission on the Status of Women – A forum that promotes gender inclusion and equity by supporting and improving options and opportunities for women at every stage of their education and career.

Guiding Principal

UAB Diversity Champion — Photo courtesy of UAB

Along with an array of programs, UAB’s Dr. Dilworth emphasizes the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s guiding principal – UAB Inspiring Equity and Inclusive Excellence, Every Day.

To learn more about UAB and their nationally recognized diversity programs, visit https://www.uab.edu/dei/