FROM THE NEST | SPRING 2025 | 9 For the first time, Lehigh has been recognized as a Diversity Champion, an honor awarded to institutions that exemplify an unyielding commitment to inclusive excellence and belonging across their campus communities, academic programs and leadership. In addition, Lehigh received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for the sixth consecutive year, reaffirming its dedication to fostering an environment where all students, faculty and staff can thrive. Both recognitions were announced in Insight Into Diversity’s November 2024 publication. Fostering a sense of belonging on campus requires intentionality and the right policies, practices and support systems. It requires continuous assessment—listening to students, faculty and staff to understand their needs and adjust efforts, said Donald Outing, Lehigh’s vice president for equity and community. “As we continue to face an ever-changing landscape in higher education, fostering belonging is crucial to maintaining our competitiveness as an institution and ensuring that our community thrives,” Outing said. “The work we do in this space is essential, not only for the success of individuals, but also for the long-term success of Lehigh University itself.” What Made Lehigh Stand Out Key initiatives that foster belonging at Lehigh include: offering inclusive physical spaces, such as gender neutral facilities, a multicultural center and accessible buildings. Academically, Lehigh strives to create a curriculum reflecting diverse perspectives, combined with equitable teaching practices. Services, including financial aid, counseling services and academic support, have been expanded. Outing aims to expand programs that strengthen the recruitment and retention of all students, while ensuring equitable access and support for those from historically underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds. Additionally, he seeks to refine how his office measures and reports on equity, inclusion and student success initiatives. —Christina Tatu ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Lehigh Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Inclusive Excellence APPOINTED ENDOWED CHAIR NAMED Vinod Namboodiri, a professor with a joint appointment in the College of Health and P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, has been named the inaugural Ellen and Vincent Forlenza ’75 Endowed Chair in Health Innovation and Technology in the College of Health. Ellen and Vincent Forlenza ’75 made the generous gift that created this endowed chair. Namboodiri’s initial appointment will be for five years, during which time he will work to drive innovation in health and technology to advance the mission of the College of Health and the Lehigh community at large. Namboodiri joined Lehigh in 2023. He actively contributes to the College of Health and P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science in research, service, mentoring and teaching. —Jessica Jackson and Katie Jones “THE WORK WE DO IN THIS SPACE IS ESSENTIAL, NOT ONLY FOR THE SUCCESS OF INDIVIDUALS, BUT ALSO FOR THE LONGTERM SUCCESS OF LEHIGH UNIVERSITY ITSELF.” — Donald Outing, vice president for equity and community LEHIGH LIBRARIES RANKED NO. 10 BY PRINCETON REVIEW Lehigh University Libraries ranked 10th best library in the United States, according to The Princeton Review’s 2025 edition of “Best 390 Colleges.” This recognition reflects the libraries' commitment to providing an inspiring, resource-rich environment for the Lehigh student body. The results were based on student surveys conducted in the 2023-24 academic year and/or the previous two academic years. Lehigh’s ability to secure the 10th spot in the rankings was based on a single question: “How do you rate your school’s library facilities?” “Our libraries are places that combine outstanding resources, collections, community events and multiple types of study space that enrich the student experience and promote academic success,” said Boaz Nadav-Manes, university librarian.—Kathleen Frederick RANKINGS ACADEMIC IMAGE / CHRISTA NEU
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