At a glance
“To receive such a high rating for a school our size is a real testament to the work that everyone at the college does to help foster a safe and welcoming environment,” Nikkie Herman said.
In recognition of its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all students, Alfred State College was recently named to a national listing of LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities.
The Campus Pride Index, according to its website, is an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policy, program, and practice. The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-friendly learning environments at colleges and universities.
The index awarded Alfred State four out of five stars for its Overall Campus Pride Index Score, as well as for its Sexual Orientation Score and its Gender Identity/Expression Score. A number of inclusion factors are taken into consideration when determining scores, such as LGBTQ policy inclusion, LGBTQ support and institutional commitment, and LGBTQ academic and student life.
Nikkie Herman, chief diversity officer and Title IX coordinator at Alfred State, said the college makes it a priority to create and maintain inclusive and safe spaces for all members of its community.
“To receive such a high rating for a school our size is a real testament to the work that everyone at the college does to help foster a safe and welcoming environment,” she said. “We will continue to improve on our efforts to make Alfred State College a safe space for our LGBTQ+ by providing Safe Zone trainings, programming, and adding to our ever-growing gender and sexuality library: The Paula Rezak Collection.”
Alfred State Vice President for Enrollment Management Betsy Penrose said, “Today’s students look for an inclusive and welcoming college to become their ‘home away from home.’ The Campus Pride index reinforces that Alfred State creates an environment that empowers and inspires our students and community members to freely express ideas and embrace differences. Congratulations to Chief Diversity Officer Nikkie Herman and her highly committed staff for this well-deserved recognition.”
When it comes to the Campus Pride Index, Alfred State is among the Top 4 Public Colleges in New York State with a 4-Star Rating.