Diversity MBA Magazine named DePaul University as one of its “50 Out Front for Diversity Leadership.” DePaul was ranked No. 18 among the 50 companies and nonprofit organizations selected for their workplace diversity and leadership opportunities for people of color.

Other institutions of higher education that made the list included University of Virginia at No. 44 and Stanford University at No. 45. At the top of the list was Verizon Communications. 

DePaul also was named among the “Top Ten Best in Class Companies for Board Diversity,” in company with Accenture, A.T. Kearney, Citi, Colgate-Palmolive, DIAGEO, McDonalds, Staples, U.S. Navy and Verizon Communications.

In a third category — “Top Ten Best in Class for Representation” — DePaul also was named, along with Bank of America; Colgate-Palmolive; CSX; DIAGEO; Fannie Mae; Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, N.J.; Health Care Services Corporation; Nielsen and Verizon Communications.

“DePaul is proud to be among the top 50 companies recognized for its diversity and inclusion efforts,” said Elizabeth Ortiz, DePaul’s vice president for Institutional Diversity and Equity. “This continued achievement is due to the work of many departments and leaders here at DePaul and it is a continued testament to our mission in achieving a diverse campus community.”

The selection criteria for the 50 Out Front Companies  includes organizations that implement intentional strategies based on accountability, succession planning, representation, workplace inclusion, recruitment and board diversity, which allows and encourages managers and women of diverse backgrounds to excel and develop into leadership roles.

“DePaul has consistently made our list year after year, which shows that the organization is not only committed to diversity, but also sustainable,” said Pamela McElvane, publisher and executive editor of the Chicago-based magazine. “Among the list are Fortune 500 companies and DePaul’s presence among them means they are winning the war to retain and promote top talent.”