College of Pharmacy diversity efforts recognized with first-time HEED Award

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the nation’s oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, has recognized The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy with the 2023 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. This is the college’s first time being honored with this award. 

Alongside the College of Pharmacy, the colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Public Health and Veterinary Medicine were recognized with the award for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ohio State is the only academic institution in the country to have six graduate programs receive the Health Professions HEED Award. 

The College of Pharmacy Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was established in 2020 with the hiring of its inaugural DEI officer, Z Tenney. In addition to providing guidance in a continually diversifying college, the DEI office provides programming for students, staff and faculty to better understand the significance of inclusive learning and practice. The office focuses on integrating DEI best practices into the structural and interpersonal dynamics of the college. Additionally, in 2023, the college hired a first-generation specialist to provide mentorship, leadership development, social support and academic support to first-generation students. The college also has two post-doctoral positions focused on health equity and advocacy.  

“The advocacy of students, faculty and staff built the foundation for the establishment of an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, so it is fitting that the college’s first HEED Award comes about as a result of continued collaboration to institutionalize DEI efforts throughout the entire college,” Tenney said. “We are all responsible for the community we build together as Pharmacy Buckeyes. I believe that our community is as affirming as it is, not only because of formal policies and practices but also because of the everyday efforts that so many people in this college make to ensure that everyone knows they belong here.” 

The Health Professions HEED Award is the only national honor recognizing institutions of higher education for their outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The selection process includes a comprehensive and rigorous application exploring student and employee recruitment and retention best practices and leadership support of diversity and inclusion efforts. 

“It is an honor that six of Ohio State’s health science colleges have been recognized with a HEED Award,” said Wendy Smooth, senior vice provost for inclusive excellence. “I am proud that these colleges’ efforts to foster welcoming and inclusive environments for faculty, staff and students are being lauded. The university benefits when everyone has a sense that they can fully participate in the life of our campuses.” 

Ohio State will be featured in the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT into Diversity magazine.