Barefoot & Gardner Awards
Barefoot & Gardner Awards for Equitable Higher Education Outcomes
The Gardner Institute recognizes postsecondary institutions that have taken active steps to successfully mitigate inequitable performance gaps for historically underrepresented student populations. The awards were created and named by friends and colleagues of Drs. Betsy O. Barefoot and John N. Gardner, the Gardner Institute’s co-founders, to recognize and honor their deep commitment to and advocacy for more just and equitable postsecondary learning experiences.
One two-year and one four-year institution will be selected as the recipients of the Barefoot & Gardner Awards. The awards will recognize institutions that demonstrate, with strong evidence, their commitment to working toward the attainment of more equitable outcomes, in undergraduate education. Institutions receiving the recognition will be selected by a distinguished national panel. The award will be announced at A Symposium on Transforming the Postsecondary Experience in Pittsburgh, PA in October 2024.
Eligibility
- Two-Year and Four-Year Undergraduate Institutions
- Located in the United States
- Private or Public Institutions
- Demonstrated commitment towards student success and equitable outcomes.
Next Nomination period will be 2025
The Selected Institutions Will Receive:
- A plaque recognizing institutional accomplishments in the attainment of socially just and
equitable postsecondary outcomes. - Opportunity to present your work and outcomes at A Symposium on Transforming the Postsecondary Experience in Pittsburgh, PA in October 2024. (The Gardner Institute will cover the registration fees and travel cost for one person to accept the award)
- National recognition through Gardner Institute announcements of recipients.
- Additional opportunities to contribute thought leadership with the Gardner
Institute and the greater higher education community through publications, webinars,
leadership academies, and other opportunities.
2024 Barefoot & Gardner Award Recipients
University of Houston
The University of Houston is a four-year, public research university in Houston, Texas. Their mission is “The University of Houston draws strength from its diversity to transform lives and communities through education, research, service and innovation in a real world setting. UH is an engine for discovery, conversation and change that informs and leads local, state, national and global partnerships.”
The University of Houston is recognized for its commitment to improving gateway course performance through extensive faculty development, equity-informed course redesign, and strategic partnership. The University redesigned over 60 DFWI high-rate courses. From 2021 to 2023 the DFWI rates for students in historically underrepresented student populations (Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, Black students, and Hispanic students) decreased in some courses, from 42% to 66%.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a public community college in Paducah, Kentucky. Their mission is, “West Kentucky Community and Technical College promotes equity as we champion student success, provide excellence in teaching and learning, and advance economic development within a diverse and inclusive campus community.”
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is recognized for its bold and transformative initiative led by the WKCTC President in 2021-22 to holistically review and address gaps in student success outcomes, demonstrating WKCTC’s deep dedication to improving the college experience for first-generation, underrepresented minority (URM), low-income, rural, and adult learners.
Nominations & Eligibility
What are the categories for which nominations are being accepted?
There are two categories for the Award: Two-Year Institutions, private or public, Four-Year Institutions, private or public.
Who can submit a nomination?
Nominations should come from the CEO’s office of the nominated institution. Alternatively, the nomination can be an official designee of the CEO and/or a letter of support from the CEO.
Who is eligible to be nominated for the Award?
Postsecondary institutions that have taken active steps to successfully mitigate inequitable performance gaps for historically underrepresented student populations.
Is there an entry fee to nominate someone for the Award?
There is no entry fee. It is free to submit a nomination.
Can I submit an international nomination for any of the Award categories?
Yes, all categories are open to international nominations.
Can I submit multiple nominations?
No, we request only one submission per institution per year.
Can I nominate someone who was nominated in prior years?
Yes, past nominees are eligible for resubmission.
How long should my responses be for the open-ended prompts?
Responses to each of the prompts should be a minimum of 100 characters and a maximum of 750 characters.
Can I submit supplemental materials for consideration?
Yes, we ask that you submit three forms of supporting materials to locke@gardnerinstitute.org
Can we save our nomination prior to submitting and complete it at a later time?
No, the nomination must be completed in one sitting. We recommend writing all responses in a separate document, then copying them into the nomination form when you are ready to submit. Download Form here.
Is it possible to edit the nomination after it has been submitted?
No, it is not possible to alter a nomination that has been submitted, but you can email locke@gardnerinstitute.org if you need to correct or supply any additional information. No changes or updates to a nomination will be accepted after the deadline.
When will the Honorees be announced?
The Awardees will be announced in October 2024 at A Symposium on Transforming the Foundational Postsecondary Experience in Pittsburgh, PA. Join our mailing list to receive details as they become available.
Other questions?
Email info@gardnerinstitute.org.
