The Big South Conference have announced Radford University and UNC Asheville have been named the inaugural Big South Conference Champions of Unity.
Both institutions have been recognized for outstanding contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, belonging, and justice within their athletic department, campus, and surrounding community during the 2023-24 academic year.
A committee of Big South administrators used the selection criteria of how nominees demonstrated leadership in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, belonging, and justice through innovation, volunteering, mentorship, allyship, and leadership by values.
The candidates are champions of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices and have actively contributed to their department’s growth in this area. Institutions self-nominated by submitting a letter outlining how their efforts align with the award criteria, two letters of support, and any supporting materials including, but not limited to, testimonials or media coverage about their efforts.
Radford University’s Athletics DEI Committee drives its initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Established four years ago, the committee focuses on educating, empowering, and engaging student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
Comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds, the committee meets monthly to coordinate department-wide DEI efforts. Their work includes selecting social justice curriculum modules and finding creative ways to celebrate inclusion during athletic events and on social media.
Notable initiatives include hosting a Pride Game during a men’s soccer match, producing a video titled “What Does Inclusion Mean to You?” featuring a student-athlete and staff member, and honoring international student-athletes in men’s and women’s tennis by showcasing their countries’ flags during home matches.
Additionally, the DEI committee provides educational materials on various topics each month and collaborates with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion on campus to enhance departmental resources and perspectives.
UNC Asheville’s Athletic Department strengthens its campus DEI efforts through strategic initiatives that integrate these values into the daily operations of the department.
The Bulldogs offer dedicated DEI programming across both virtual and in-person platforms, featuring guest speakers to foster a greater sense of belonging for both student-athletes and staff.
Additionally, the Bulldog Anti-Racism Council (BARC) plays a pivotal role in guiding the department’s direction and amplifying the voices of student-athletes, coaches, and staff in DEI matters.
This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is driven from the top, with senior leadership focused on tracking and promoting equitable practices across the department. UNC Asheville has also taken intentional steps to address social injustices and racial inequality by recommending and facilitating educational programming and awareness events that aim to cultivate a culture of inclusion and inspire lasting behavioral change.
For instance, the athletics department participated in the Rise to Win initiative, which focused on advancing values of respect, understanding, tolerance, and equality.
Established in 2023, the Big South Conference Champion of Unity Award was created to recognize member institutions’ athletic departments for outstanding contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, belonging, and justice within their athletic department, campus, and surrounding community.
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