University of Houston Law Center secures eighth consecutive Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award

HOUSTON, Oct. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Houston Law Center has been honored for the eighth year in a row with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

"I am overwhelmed with pride as our institution earns this award for the eighth consecutive year. It is a testament to our school's unwavering dedication to cultivating an environment where our faculty, staff, and students are not only supported but also encouraged to succeed," said UH Law Center Dean Leonard M. Baynes.

The HEED award is given annually to colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

"We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. 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 magazine.

UH Law Center has introduced several initiatives to improve law school access for aspiring lawyers and create an environment where students of all backgrounds can thrive and reach their potential.

Among these initiatives stands the award-winning Pre-Law Pipeline Programs, a race-neutral endeavor designed to increase the representation of law students from low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented backgrounds. Since its inception in 2015, this program has proven its effectiveness, with over 140 participants securing admission to law schools across the country.

To complement the Pre-Law Pipeline Programs, the UH Law Center launched Aspiring Lawyer, an online magazine that offers insights, resources, and advice for individuals interested in a legal career. The publication caters to undergraduates and those interested in pursuing the legal profession. The second issue, released earlier this year, features articles on topics from law school admissions, legal news, and career development to profiles of donors, alumni, faculty, and students.

UH Law Center will be featured alongside the nation's top colleges and universities as an award recipient in both the print and digital formats of the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

University of Houston Law Center media contacts: Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; Bonnie Buffaloe, Communications Manager, 713-743-9137, [email protected].   

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 4th 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 15 centers and institutes that 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.   

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 an enrollment of more than 47,000 students. 

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center