National Honor Marks the Third Overall for School of Nursing
MADISON, Wis. (October 3, 2024) – The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing has been selected as a 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipient by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The national honor recognizes U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
One of just 71 health professions institutions selected nationwide, and one of only 19 nursing schools to earn the honor, the designation marks the third time that the School of Nursing has been named as a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. All recipients of the 2024 Health Professions HEED Award will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, emphasizes the rigor of the application and selection process, saying, “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.” The award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application with questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion.
The School of Nursing was selected for its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to maximize the positive impact of nursing research, education, and practice on the health of all people. This is central to the School’s guiding vision to make discoveries, enhance systems, and advance health and health equity for Wisconsin and beyond.
School of Nursing Dean Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FNAP, FAAN, states, “As leaders in nursing education, we are in an ideal position to advance health equity. Improved health, access to quality care, and the prospect of well-being should be available to all people. Yet, it requires that our approaches to research, education, and practice are inclusive.” She adds, “We are honored to be recognized for excellence in this area. It is evidence that our efforts align with our vision.”
For the UW–Madison School of Nursing, the award and its application process have a benefit beyond the honor of recognition, becoming a tool to facilitate reflection and inspire improvements. “Applying for the Health Professions HEED Award is not a routine exercise. The application is an opportunity to assess progress and report milestones on our strategic path toward inclusive excellence. Some of our initiatives create recognizable success within the year they are implemented. Others take more time to unfold. The HEED Award is valuable in our continuous improvement in addition to being truly meaningful when we apply for and receive it.”
Strategic enhancements made during 2023 included bolstering the School’s infrastructure to include the hiring of Diamond D. Williams, DrPH, MPH, who was appointed as Associate Dean of the newly-created Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) in the School of Nursing. The inaugural role provides expertise and guidance as the School implements evidence-based strategies to foster an inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
“Earning the Insight Into Diversity Health Professions HEED Award in 2024 is a reflection of our continued commitment and progress in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the School of Nursing,” said Williams. “It highlights the importance of the role that all nurses play in addressing the pervasive health inequities found worldwide.” She adds, “Part of our approach to preparing future nurses for this type of impact is expanding individual self-awareness, advocacy skills, and social engagement.”
For more information on the UW–Madison School of Nursing’s inclusive excellence efforts, please visit https://nursing.wisc.edu/diversity.
For more information about the 2024 Health Professions HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.
About INSIGHT Into Diversity
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the oldest and largest diversity publication in higher education today and is well-known for its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as profiles of best practices and exemplary programs. Readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.