UIC Wins NADOHE Institutional Excellence Award
National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) awarded UIC its 2021 Institutional Excellence Award Heading link
The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) awarded the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) its 2021 Institutional Excellence Award as a 4-year public institution. The award was presented March 12 at this year’s virtual NADOHE Annual Conference. The organization presents this award to recognize an institution that has “demonstrated measurable progress in promoting and sustaining innovative diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within their campus community.”
NADOHE President Paulette Granberry Russell stated that “the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education extends our appreciation and congratulations to the University of Illinois at Chicago for engaging in efforts that represent demonstrable change in advancing institutional excellence and the goal of full participation of the UIC campus community. To be acknowledged by your peers who understand the challenges associated with creating structural change and dismantling barriers to being a more inclusive campus community through active, engaged leadership, education and development, and valuing accountability is a tremendous testament to the strategic work UIC has embarked upon and provides a model for others to emulate going forward.”
Over a decade ago, UIC recognized the importance of diversity and inclusion across the campus at all levels and embarked on an ambitious plan to develop an integrated network that identifies and resolves diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.
Chancellor Michael Amiridis reflected on the institutional achievement, saying, “it was an honor to be recognized for the progress we have made at UIC. Our determination to advance our mission of inclusion is demonstrated in a variety of ways, such as the Crossing Latinidades initiative, and where we are leading among HSI universities, and campus programs, like the Advancing Racial Equity Initiative. While we are faced with significant social justice challenges, we are more committed than ever to improve the student experience and our community engagement.”
UIC is both an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education. UIC is one of only 16 Research 1 HSI institutions in the country, and the majority of its undergraduates are eligible to receive federal Pell Grants.
Amalia Pallares, Associate Chancellor and Vice-Provost for Diversity at UIC, explained that the achievement is a reflection of the campus’ values and aspirations, not just administrative milestones: “Students are attracted to UIC because of its growing diversity, but we want to deliver much more. It is our mission to ensure that all our UIC community works towards the goals of equity and inclusion that undergird our diversity initiatives.”
Find more information on NADOHE at nadohe.org