The annual Eastman Diversity Award was created in the spring of 2018 to recognize contributions from members of the Eastman community to diversity efforts. The initial award was given to a senior faculty member, the first chair of the Diversity Committee; the second award went to two PhD students for their leadership of a diversity initiative as part of a national conference of two combined disciplinary organizations, the Society for Music Theory (SMT) and American Musicological Society (AMS). The 2020 award was given to a junior faculty member in ethnomusicology whose impact is already noted by students and colleagues. Nominations are solicited from students, faculty, and staff in the spring semester. Nominations are reviewed by a committee comprising the previous recipient, the co-chairs of the Diversity Committee, the Director of the Eastman Community Music School, and the Senior Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs. This award is given at a May recognition event.

2022 Winners: Sylvie Beaudette and Brittney Burgess

For their sustained commitment to equity and inclusion in the Eastman community and beyond.

2021 Winners: Brianna Garcon and Travon Walker

For their significant contributions to the Eastman Action Commission for Racial Justice.

2020 Winner: Anaar Desai-Stephens

In recognition of her pedagogy and advocacy for equity, inclusivity, and accessibility within the Eastman community and beyond.

2019 Winners: Alissandra Reed and Catrina Kim

For their record as founding members of a national professional initiative named Project Spectrum.

2018 Winner: Elizabeth Marvin

In recognition of her sustained commitment to diversity and equity in our community.