Salus University has received the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
The annual award recognizes U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a recipient of the award, Salus University will be featured along with 68 other recipients in the November/December 2024 issue of the magazine. This is the first time the University has been named a HEED award recipient.
“This award was an opportunity for the University (administration, staff, and faculty) to come together to reflect and compile a comprehensive review of our practices, policies and curriculum,” said Juliana Mosley-Williams, PhD, CDP, special assistant to the president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Salus at Drexel University. “DEI is everyone's responsibility, in mission and daily deed, and it is only fitting that we, the Salus Community, share in the fruits of our labor together.”
Salus’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) establishes cultural humility as foundational to the education and professional formation of emerging healthcare clinicians, educators, and scientists. The University fosters meaningful connections through critical thinking and self-reflection, courageous conversations, culturally responsive care and practices for patients and clients, and intentional collaborations with alumni and the local community. The current state of affairs relative to social justice issues (race, gender, sexual identity and expression, religion, physical/mental ability, and socio-economic status) shows that the need for diversity and inclusion in our society is greater than ever.
The diversity and inclusion concept of cultural humility is a current framework being employed by institutions and organizations that seek to achieve cultural transformation. Salus believes that through conscious consideration, the University can be proactive in preparing for and adhering to the inevitable changes in society.
“Here at Salus, DEI is not just something we put on as an accessory, but it is woven into the fabric of every facet of our institution's existence,” said Dr. Mosley-Williams. “Winning this award does not mean we have arrived, or achieved the pinnacle of success, but serves as an expectation that guides how we educate and care for the students and patients we serve.”
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 the best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion.
“We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED award winner,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
