George Mason University recognized for commitment to access, diversity and inclusion

George Mason University has been recognized with a 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight into Diversity magazine, an honor given to institutions that demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion across their campuses.

The award acknowledges the colleges and universities that are dedicated to promoting access, diversity, and opportunity, creating a more inclusive campus environment. George Mason, along with other 113 recipients, will be featured in the upcoming November/December issue of Insight Into Diversity, the oldest and most-robust diversity-focused publication in higher education.

“This award recognizes George Mason’s steadfast efforts to promote inclusivity within higher education and its unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity for all students,” said Sharnnia Artis, George Mason’s vice president and chief diversity officer.

George Mason, with its dedication to access, is ranked best in Virginia for value and upward mobility by U.S. News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal. The Mason Virginia Promise provides a pathway to a bachelor’s degree through both its ADVANCE partnership with Northern Virginia Community College and its expansion to other select community colleges in the commonwealth. The university also has a direct admissions program with more than 20 high schools, which led to more than 400 students enrolled for fall, and is opening two lab schools. 

Another example of the university’s work in this area is the Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) National Conference, held this spring on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus. The event brought together student researchers, faculty, and industry leaders to address critical issues in mental health, neurodiversity, and immigrant family support, reflecting the university’s commitment to advancing inclusive excellence through meaningful research and community engagement.

In a press release, Lenore Pearlstein, the publisher of Insight Into Diversity, explained the rigorous selection for the award.

“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees—and best practices for both—leadership support for diversity, campus culture and climate, supplier diversity, and many other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” Pearlstein said. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”