In 2012 more than 16 percent of students were African American, Hispanic

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2014) — The University of Louisville has received a 2014 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

The honor, presented to schools demonstrating an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, went to only 83 of the nation’s 4,500 colleges and universities. UofL was the sole Kentucky higher education institution to receive the award.

In 2012, African American students made up 13 percent of UofL’s student body and earned 10.5 percent of all degrees awarded, while Hispanic/Latino students made up 3.3 percent of the student body and earned 3.3 percent of all degrees awarded. Last year, 136 African American faculty members were working at UofL — more than double the 62 working in 2001.

The university also exceeded its 25 percent supplier diversity goal last year and was named Corporation of the Year by the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council, an arm of the National Minority Supplier Development Council covering Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia.

UofL’s diversity initiatives include a Cultural Center that engages students in social justice issues, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center that welcomes students of all gender expressions, a Women’s Center that promotes gender equality, an International Center that welcomes foreign students and prepares U.S. students for study abroad, and the Muhammad Ali Institute, which works to build peace and prevent violence through education, service and research.

“Diversity is one of our core values from the top down,” said Mordean Taylor-Archer, UofL vice provost for diversity. “I’m proud we’ve been recognized for our efforts to create a welcoming, inclusive environment on our campus.”