UH Law Center diversity efforts draw national acclaim for fourth straight year

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Sep 18, 2019, 13:20 ET

HOUSTON, Sept. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Houston Law Center has been honored by INSIGHT into Diversity magazine for the school's efforts to increase minority representation on campus and in the legal profession.

The Law Center for the second year in a row is the only U.S. law school to be selected for the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award which is the only national, application-based award honoring institutions of higher education for their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program Class of 2019.

"I am honored that the Law Center has been recognized for its diversity programs with the HEED Award for the fourth year in a row," said Dean Leonard M. Baynes. "The Law Center prides itself on achieving diversity and excellence at the same time.

"Many thanks go to Professor Meredith Duncan, assistant dean of Diversity, Inclusion and Metropolitan Programs, and Kristen Guiseppi, the director of the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program, for their tireless efforts to help us achieve our diversity goals."

HEED Award recipients are selected on the basis of an extensive application, detailing demographics of the faculty and student body, recruitment practices, mentoring and resource programs, community outreach, and other efforts designed to increase diversity.

"Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus," said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity.

"We are thrilled to be recognized nationally and awarded for our commitment to diversity and inclusion here at the Law Center," said Duncan, George Butler Research Professor of Law. "To be the only law school receiving such recognition for the second year in a row makes the honor all the more special."

The Law Center's award-winning Pre-Law Pipeline Program was among initiatives cited by the magazine. The program prepares undergraduates who are first generation, low income, or members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession for a career in law.

"We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment here at the Law Center," said Guiseppi. "I am proud of the work we do here, especially through our programs, clinics and institutes, which allows us to be part of the ongoing dialogue of diversity and inclusion practices. We are thankful, humbled, and honored by the continued recognition from INSIGHT Into Diversity for our efforts and initiatives."

Media contacts: Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; Elena Hawthorne, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-1125, [email protected]; John T. Kling, Communications Manager, 713-743-8298, [email protected]; and John Brannen, Senior Writer, 713-743-3055, [email protected].

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic- and Asian-American-Serving institution with enrollment of more than 46,000 students.

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top tier law school located in the nation's 4^th largest city. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 10. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 11 centers and institutes which fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center