UGA College of Pharmacy Receives Two Awards From Insight Into Diversity Magazine

The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy recently received two prestigious recognitions from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine – the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award and the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. This is the college’s 11th consecutive year earning national recognition for its commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence by the publication. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. 

The Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award is the only national recognition honoring colleges and universities that demonstrate outstanding efforts and success in promoting diversity and inclusion. The process for receiving the HEED Award consists of a rigorous review of universities’ recruitment and retention of students and employees, leadership support for diversity, and campus culture and climate, among other criteria. In the past year, UGA Pharmacy has launched several new initiatives designed to enhance its efforts in inclusive excellence, including cultural and themed calendar events in recognition of Diwali, Hispanic Heritage, Black History, and Women’s History, among others. In addition, this award represents initiatives from multiple units and constituents within the College of Pharmacy, including the annual LGBTQ resource event to promote alliances and the UGA mentoring program that pairs pharmacy alumni leaders with current students. These initiatives are all backed by a strong strategic plan involving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The award winners were selected by INSIGHT based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives. UGA’s College of Pharmacy was cited for comprehensive recruitment and retention programming for underrepresented student populations in the UGA’s four-year pharmacy program. 

In receiving both awards, College of Pharmacy Dean Kelly Smith said, “We are diligent in our efforts to create an environment of inclusivity and acceptance. Receiving both recognitions affirms that we are meeting a critical objective in our strategic plan. I commend our college faculty and staff, along with UGA’s Office of the Provost, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Office of Curriculum Systems, Office of the Vice President for Instruction, and the participating USG institutions for having the vision to support and participate in this important endeavor.”

UGA Pharmacy’s STEM initiatives were featured in the September 2024 issue of INSIGHT; the HEED Award will be highlighted in the November/December 2024 issue of the magazine. 

For further information about the College of Pharmacy’s Diversity Program and the INSIGHT awards, contact Dr. Vivia Hill Silcott, Director of Student Counseling and Inclusive Excellence.


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