For a 10th consecutive year, INSIGHT Into Diversity — the oldest and largest diversity publication in higher education — recognized Fresno State with its Higher Education in Diversity (HEED) award. Established in 2011, the award goes to U.S. universities that significantly advance the core values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

INSIGHT Into Diversity announced the 2023 recipients on Oct. 11. Fresno State joins 108 other national recipients. 

“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,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “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.”

“Earning this distinction for 10 years in a row is a testament to the work that has been done here,” said Dr. Rashanda Booker, the university diversity officer at Fresno State and a cabinet-level leader of the newly created Division of Equity and Engagement. “This work that has been happening is not a direct correlation to the hiring of the inaugural university diversity officer. This goes to show that there have been people doing this work long before this position. We’ve found the secret sauce, and we’ve perfected it. Now it’s time for us to build upon diversity.“

The Division of Equity and Engagement aims to galvanize the campus community toward a shared vision that is welcoming, inclusive, respectful and free from discrimination, intolerance and harassment, where all can thrive, Booker said.

Fresno State’s Cross Cultural and Gender Center — first established as the Women’s Resource Center under the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management in 1991 — is now part of the Division of Equity and Engagement.

“We are so honored to be recognized for a decade of unwavering commitment to this important work,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “This remarkable milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of our campus community and underscores the enduring belief that a diverse and inclusive environment fosters creativity, innovation and excellence. I want to especially thank Dean Bernadette Muscat for leading our team in writing and submitting our application – an application that clearly shines with the phenomenal work our campus is doing to promote a celebration of diversity.”

While cultural diversity is celebrated through public events on campus throughout the academic year, the university’s diversity and inclusion efforts are woven into the work of many offices across campus every day. A partial list of examples include:

  • The National Coalition Building Institute International is a nonprofit leadership training organization that works to eliminate prejudice and intergroup conflict on campuses and in communities worldwide. Its university campus affiliate members are trained to respond proactively to discrimination and intergroup conflicts. The Fresno State Campus Affiliate comprises a team of students, faculty and staff trained to lead prejudice reduction workshops and the controversial issues process.
  • As part of programming for LGBTQ2+ History Month, the Cross Cultural and Gender Center and LGBTQ2+ studies will co-host “The Sacred Act of Coming Out,” a community event with interfaith leaders for National Coming Out Day. The event is scheduled for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Smittcamp Alumni House. It is open to Fresno State students and the community. Fresno State students, faculty, alumni and staff will also speak.
  • Fresno State participates in Super Sunday, the flagship event for California State University’s African American Initiative project, and Super Saturday, a college and career summit, both of which introduce African American students and their parents to postsecondary education and what Fresno State offers.
  • Feria de Educación partners with Univision and reaches nearly 10,000 students of all ages and their families annually. In 2020, the event was offered virtually and reached over 17,500 people. The event includes resources, activity booths, career orientations, bilingual financial aid and CSU application workshops to assist Spanish-speaking parents. 
  • Welcome BLACK, hosted by the Cross Cultural and Gender Center, is an annual social for new and returning African American students, faculty, staff and administrators at the beginning of the academic year.
  • The Dream Success Center empowers students through a welcoming and supportive environment by providing advocacy and outreach, and holistic services on personal, social and academic support to undocumented students. 
  • The Renaissance Scholars Program is an academic retention program supporting incoming freshmen, transfer and continuing undergraduate students who were foster or unaccompanied homeless youth. 
  • Services for Students with Disabilities facilitates inclusion by strengthening partnerships in the campus community to eliminate barriers and raise disability awareness.
  • Q Clothing Closet provides free clothing, shoes and accessories for non-binary and transgender students.
  • Project Rebound is a program that helps formerly incarcerated individuals earn their degrees.

Fresno State recently adopted a new strategic plan, one prong of which is “embody full inclusivity and belongingness.”

California State University, San Marcos, University of California, Berkeley and University of California, Merced are also recipients this year.

The 2023 HEED award recipients will be featured in the November/December 2023 INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine issue. For more information about the 2023 HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.