The University of Cincinnati’s College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) has been honored with the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. This prestigious recognition, received for the sixth consecutive year, underscores the college’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its academic environment.
The HEED Award, given annually by the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, acknowledges institutions that demonstrate a sustained and comprehensive dedication to DEI. CAHS’s achievement in 2024 highlights the impact of its efforts over the past year, including innovative practices that support an inclusive campus culture.
Larisa Wright, CAHS assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion, expressed pride in the recognition: “It’s a true honor to be one of only 71 institutions to be a recipient of the Health Professions HEED award. We strive to continually improve a strategic direction that gives all members of the CAHS community a sense of belonging as we work toward excellence in all we do.”
Key initiatives contributing to this achievement include the development of strong partnerships with community organizations and local schools to increase access to higher education for underrepresented students. The college has also implemented faculty and staff development programs focused on cultural humility and enhanced recruitment efforts to achieve more representative candidate pools.
CAHS Dean Charity Accurso emphasized the importance of these efforts: “As we diversify our student population and support their success, we are expanding the health care workforce and developing allied health professionals who reflect the communities and patients they serve. This work is critical in addressing the health disparities that exist across various communities.”
“UC College of Allied Health Sciences receives top diversity award” (October 3, 2024)
