Greenville Technical College Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity 2014 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award

GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Greenville Technical College today received the 2014 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual HEED Award—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — GTC will be featured along with 82 other recipients in INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine's November 2014 issue.

"We have worked hard to create a college culture that reflects genuine appreciation for diversity and inclusion," said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. "This award, which is based on a very thorough application process, recognizes the progress we have made, and receiving it is a great honor."

In September 2012, a 14-member task force was formed to take Greenville Technical College's commitment to diversity to a higher level. Juan Johnson, senior fellow and facilitator for the Diversity Leaders Initiative in the Riley Institute at Furman University, served as consultant to the group. The task force conducted a situational analysis, identifying gaps, and developing a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan to address those gaps.

During this time, Wendy Walden was named Associate Vice President of Executive Affairs at the college with responsibility for leading implementation of a strategic diversity plan, among other duties. She established a college-wide Diversity & Inclusion Employee Council to assist with implementing the plan and brought together an outside Diversity Board of community leaders to provide guidance. Currently, she is developing a Student Diversity Council as a third tier in the intentional improvement of diversity and inclusion at the college.

Based on goals outlined in the strategic plan, the college implemented a carefully planned diversity training program through which 90 percent of all college employees have completed Civil Treatment Training. The training, aimed at teaching participants to treat each other respectfully and inclusively, is offered by Employment Learning Innovations, Inc., a company based in Atlanta.

"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," said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

The 83 recipients of 2014 HEED awards included Cornell University, Cuyahoga Community College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Northern Virginia Community College, and University of South Carolina.

Past winners have included Community College of Alleghany County, Emory University, Moraine Valley Community College, Princeton University, University of Virginia, and many other institutions.

For more information about the 2014 HEED award, visit www.insightintodiversity.com.

For more information about Greenville Technical College's diversity and inclusion efforts, visit www.gvltec.edu/Diversity.

About Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College is a four-campus system where nearly 30,000 students are annually preparing for the strongest careers of today and tomorrow. Established in 1962, the college's mission is to drive personal and economic growth through learning. With more than 100 curriculum program choices along with short-term training for career and personal development, Greenville Technical College gives employers a ready supply of skilled workers and provides students with an education that will help them succeed. First accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in 1968, the college's accreditation was recently reaffirmed for a ten-year period – the maximum time period possible. Regional accreditation allows students to transfer easily and gives employers assurance that job candidates from Greenville Tech have received a quality education.

Greenville Tech promotes a respectful campus culture that reflects appreciation for diversity and inclusion at all levels. For more information about the college and its programs, professors and partnerships, visit www.gvltec.edu.

About INSIGHT Into Diversity

INSIGHT Into Diversity, celebrating its 40^th year in 2014, is the largest and oldest diversity publication in higher education today. Known for its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, this is the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and articles on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and beyond. Feature stories include interviews with innovators and experts, and profiles of best practices and model programs. Readers also find career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses embracing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at www.insightintodiversity.com.

Contact: Becky Mann, 864.250.8305, [email protected]

SOURCE Greenville Technical College