National Recognition of Academic Libraries That Are Making a Difference for All Underrepresented Groups
[ST. LOUIS, MO – April 1, 2024] – Maryville University received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The LEAD Award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions, and community outreach. Maryville will be featured, along with 55 other recipients, in the March 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
“This recognition is a testament to Maryville University’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment,” said Dr. Nina Caldwell, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “Our library’s dedication to accessibility, innovation, and community outreach exemplifies how we bring our values to life, ensuring that all individuals have the resources and support they need to thrive.”
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected Maryville University for its intentional efforts to cultivate a diverse and inclusive campus community. Diversity and inclusion are foundational values at Maryville and integral to the University’s strategic vision. As a tech-forward entity, Maryville’s library plays a pivotal role in advancing this mission through a digital-first approach that empowers students to access knowledge seamlessly, anytime and anywhere. This commitment ensures that higher education remains accessible and affordable for all students, especially first-generation college students, students of color, and individuals from underrepresented groups.
“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
A call for nominations for this award was announced in October 2023.
For more information about the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of 9,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 17,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.
About Insight Into Diversity
Insight Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today. Insight is the leader in recognizing inclusive excellence in higher education through its many prestigious awards. They are also known for being the leader in advancing best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion through their website and print magazine.
On Insight’s online Career Center readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of Insight Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.