New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University has once again been selected as a recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

"New Mexico State University, a two-time HEED Award recipient, continues to exhibit their commitment to diversity and inclusion through the many initiatives implemented throughout their campus and community," said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity. "As a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, it is evident that all aspects of human diversity matter."

The HEED award was created to recognize the diversity and inclusion efforts of U.S. colleges and universities of all types. Important for consideration for this award were initiatives related to gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LGBT community.

The 55 HEED 2013 recipients will be featured in the November issue of the publication.

Christina Chavez Kelley, NMSU assistant vice president for student diversity and outreach, was responsible for organizing and submitting NMSU's application for the award.

"We are truly honored to be named as a recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for a second year," Chavez Kelley said. "This award recognizes the diligent work of NMSU's students, faculty and staff who tirelessly advocate and work for access, diversity, equity and inclusion at every level of our land-grant university."

NMSU is designated a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution based on the percentages of enrolled students in those categories.

"We hope the HEED award serves as a way to honor those institutions of higher education that recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion as part of their everyday campus culture," Pearlstein said.

In September, Hispanic Outlook once again included NMSU in the top 50 Hispanic bachelor's and master's degree-granting schools, ranking in the top 20 in terms of bachelor's degrees in education and engineering and master's degrees in engineering and social sciences.

For more information about the 2013 HEED award visit www.insightintodiversity.com.