University of Maryland School of Nursing Earns Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award for Eighth Straight Year

Baltimore, Md. – For the eighth consecutive year, the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) has earned the Insight Into Academia magazine’s Health Professions Higher Education and Excellence Award (HEED), the only national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academic excellence, belonging, and community-building across all levels of campus life.

“We are deeply honored to receive the HEED Award for the eighth time, an achievement few institutions can claim,” said Yvette Conyers, DNP, RN, FNP-C, CTN-B, CFCN, CFCS, CNE, FADLN, CWCN-AP, assistant professor and associate dean for strategic engagement and impact (SEI). “This recognition affirms UMSON’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence and belonging. While the application for this award allows us to celebrate our achievements, it also challenges us to reflect on where we can grow as we continue this journey.”

UMSON will be featured, along with 28 other health profession higher education institutions (62 higher education institutions total), in the October 2025 issue of INSIGHT Into Academia magazine, a leader in advancing best practices in higher education excellence.

The award celebrates institutions that have implemented comprehensive strategies to support excellence in student success, employee recruitment and retention, and welcoming environments where everyone can achieve success. Applications are evaluated for initiatives across recruitment, retention, policy, programs, leadership, and more.

The application is open to all accredited U.S. and Canadian health profession schools, including medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary, and osteopathic medical schools. 

UMSON proudly embraces its statement In UniSON: Together We Commit, Together We Act, which guides the School in creating an environment where all are welcomed and supported to be successful. More than 65% of UMSON students identify as racially and ethnically diverse, and 12% are male — both figures above the national average for nursing schools.

Equity and justice are one set of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s core values, and UMSON works to integrate these values fully and authentically into all aspects of its work and community. UMSON’s Office of SEI offers individual and departmental support with a focus on relationship and community building and advocacy to ensure equity in policies and practices at all levels. It has developed activities, events, and affinity groups to engage faculty, staff, and students in thinking more broadly about a more inclusive community.

Highlights of UMSON’s ongoing SEI efforts include:

• partnering with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to host a holistic admissions workshop, reinforcing UMSON’s commitment to evaluating students beyond traditional metrics by considering their experiences, attributes, and academic potential
• strengthening partnerships with Baltimore City and Baltimore County Public Schools to support college readiness efforts
• expanding UMSON’s presence at community events and attending multiple middle and high school programs aimed at engaging underrepresented students in health care careers
• partnering with admissions to host Workshop Wednesdays, an initiative providing prospective and newly admitted students with resources on inclusive learning environments, student support services, and pathways for success
• offering “Together in UniSON,” the Office of SEI’s faculty and staff professional development initiative to support engagement and create an environment where employees can thrive
• continuing its Booked for Lunch club, which explores books and documentaries about health equity and by diverse creators
• advancing UMSON’s Restorative Practices program, placing UMSON at the forefront of fostering robust and healthy relationships across the campus and local communities
• supporting the SEI Council, comprised of students, staff, and faculty who draw from a dynamic range of backgrounds and support strategic engagement initiatives in partnership with the Office of SEI.

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling nearly 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.