SDSU Honoured Again for Advancing Academic Excellence Through Inclusion

San Diego State University Sets Benchmark in Equity-Focused Higher Education

San Diego State University again demonstrated that it stands for Diversity and Inclusion by winning the 2025 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from the highly reputable Insight Into Academia magazine. Commemorating the US universities and colleges that demonstrate exemplary commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in campus life by assessing their initiatives in student recruitment, faculty hiring, academic support and inclusive programming. The prize is a best practice benchmark for equity and Academic Excellence in Higher  Education. Impressively, from the four consecutive years and the ninth time  since 2013, the institution has earned this national honour, placing it among only 61 US Colleges and Universities selected in 2025, showing a notable decrease from 114 recipients from the last year.

The process of selection for the HEED Award, according to the co-publisher of the magazine, includes a careful and integrated review of every application. The institutions are judged based on how fully Academic Excellence and belonging are integrated into their daily function. San Diego State University, which has been designated by the US Department of Education as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), has purportedly aligned its strategic plan with 25 targeted initiatives aimed at justice, equity, and inclusion.

University Campus News reports that SDSU San Diego has surpassed systemwide targets established by the California State University's Graduation Initiative 2025. Increased tutoring, advising, and intervention programs have assisted in filling graduation rate equity gaps among underrepresented students. SDSU in spring 2024 reported six-year graduation rates of 84.6% for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and 64.7% for Native American students, demonstrating quantifiable Academic Achievement among diverse groups. Faculty diversity has also increased. Statistics provided to Insight Into Academia indicate that 13.62% of full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty were Hispanic/Latino in 2024–25, an increase from 10.7% during 2020–21. Black faculty diversity also increased to more than 5.1%, as opposed to 4% four years ago. For the non-tenure-track employees, 30.08% were Hispanic/Latino and 5.46% African American. Over half of recent tenure-track appointments are reportedly drawn from historically underrepresented populations.

In recruitment and retention through support for belonging, SDSU has 10 committed community centres, including the Black Resource Centre, Pride Centre, and Native Resource Centre. There are also 19 Employee Resource Groups, like the Latina Network and Men of Colour Alliance, that assist in areas of identity and interest. The university also has early outreach and bridge programs that attract first-generation and underrepresented students, facilitated by need-based College Scholarships. All tenure-track applicants are required to indicate a commitment to teaching, research, or service of underrepresented groups. Search committees undergo bias mitigation training and have equity advocates on the search committee to promote equal hiring practices. As a premier State University of California institution, SDSU continues to raise the standard for Award Recognition in Higher Education through its comprehensive strategy for equity and excellence. San Diego State University's continued efforts demonstrate how California Universities have the potential to drive national advancement in inclusive Higher Education.

Editor’s Note:

San Diego State University's achievement by way of the 2025 HEED Award is more than a news headline; it is a reflection of decades of sustained, reflective effort. Reading through the data and programs, it is obvious that this is not a one-time thing but the culmination of an embedded culture of inclusion. The university's success at achieving and surpassing systemwide objectives, while enhancing representation throughout staff and students, is evidence that diversity and academic excellence are complementary goals,they complement each other. Most striking is the formalised approach taken by the university. From the equity-inclusive hiring to the focus on targeted student support, SDSU has created a model that can be imitated. The inclusion of employee resource groups and community centres lends nuance to its efforts, making certain that belonging isn't merely discussed but actively encouraged. These are not tokens; they are retention tools, wellness tools, and success tools.

According to Skoobuzz, in an era where so many institutions talk about inclusion, SDSU demonstrates what it means in action. It is not only an award of distinction, but it is a sign that improvement in Higher Education takes commitment, conviction, and courage.

FAQs

1. How did San Diego State University win the National Diversity Award? 
San Diego State University received the 2025 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award due to its sustained and measurable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus life. The award, presented by Insight Into Academia magazine, recognises institutions where academic excellence and belonging are deeply integrated into daily operations. SDSU was selected following a rigorous review process that assessed its strategic initiatives, faculty representation, student support systems, and inclusive hiring practices. Notably, SDSU has been honoured with this award nine times since 2013, reflecting long-term institutional progress.

2. What makes San Diego State University stand out in diversity and inclusion? 

SDSU stands out for embedding diversity into its strategic plan, with 25 targeted initiatives focused on justice, equity, and inclusion. It is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), which reflects its demographic reach and policy alignment. 
The university has consistently improved graduation rates among underrepresented students and increased faculty diversity. More than half of recent tenure-track hires identify with historically underrepresented groups, and all candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to inclusive teaching and research. This integrated approach positions SDSU as a national leader in inclusive higher education.

3. Which US universities focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion? 
Several universities across the United States have been recognised for their strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These include institutions such as Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, Rutgers University-Newark, Pomona College, and CUNY-Lehman College. Each of these universities has developed inclusive curricula, cultural centres, and equity-focused hiring practices. They also support student-led initiatives and maintain offices dedicated to DEI strategy. The Colleges of Distinction and HEED Award listings regularly highlight such institutions for their commitment to creating equitable learning environments.

4. Why is diversity important in higher education? 
Diversity in higher education enriches the academic experience by exposing students to varied perspectives, cultures, and lived experiences. It fosters critical thinking, empathy, and innovation, while preparing graduates to thrive in a globalised and interconnected world. Inclusive campuses also help address historical inequalities by ensuring access and support for students from marginalised backgrounds. Research shows that diverse learning environments improve problem-solving, collaboration, and career readiness. Moreover, diversity strengthens institutional excellence by encouraging reflective teaching, inclusive curricula, and community engagement.

5. What programs at San Diego State University support diverse students?
SDSU supports diverse students through a wide range of programmes and centres. These include 10 cultural and identity-based community centres such as the Black Resource Centre, Pride Centre, Native Resource Centre, and Latinx Resource Centre. The university also hosts 19 Employee Resource Groups, including the Men of Colour Alliance and the Latina Network. Outreach efforts include bridge programmes for first-generation students, early engagement with community colleges, and need-based scholarships. Additionally, SDSU offers mentoring, academic support, and inclusive residential learning communities, all designed to foster belonging and student success.