June 25, 2015 DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU Athletics Diversity Council recently completed its first Diversity & Inclusion Education Program. Each support unit in Athletics was represented in the focused 10-month education program that met in the Hall of Champions at the Loyd All-Sports Center.
Each session focused on developing greater understanding of diversity and inclusion as well as how to work as a cohesive unit committed to addressing bias and discrimination. The series of seminars covered topics that integrated core competencies of higher educational professionals, equipped participants with knowledge and resources on issues related to diversity and inclusion, as well as helping develop tangible skills that participants can use in their daily work to maintain a supportive environment that maximizes performance. The seminars were presented in a variety of formats including group activities, personal reflection and case studies. They were facilitated by members of the Athletics Diversity Council.
"The Diversity and Inclusion in Athletics program has created a unique opportunity for colleagues to engage in dialogue that is critical in building the combination of awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to not only create safe and comfortable environment for every one employed in the athletics department, but also the students in which they serve," said Creston Lynch, SMU's Director of Multicultural Student Affairs.
"The continuous and reflective nature of the program allowed participants to apply current events in the field of athletics and beyond to discussions around the value of equity, inclusion and advocacy in addition to the effects of discrimination and marginalization. Everyone who participated, including the facilitators, has learned from this experience. Our colleagues and friends in the Athletic department are to be commended for their commitment to this important topic. Our entire campus community will be better for it."
The 2014-15 program was led by Lynch and Karen Click of SMU's Women & LGBT Center. The following Athletics staff members took part in the program: Purity Ateku, Rhett Caviel, Kelli Clay, Emily Cobb, Herman Hudson, Doris Hunter, Katie Glunt, Aaron Parris, Dexter Reece, Albert Veytia, Susan Vollmerhausen, Mike Walker, and Cindy Zhao.
The 2015-16 Diversity & Inclusion Education Program will begin in September with a new representative from each support unit in Athletics. Monique Holland, Senior Associate AD/Senior Woman Administrator (SWA)/Deputy Title IX Coordinator, serves as the coordinator for the Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Education Program.
"Celebrating diversity and inclusion is central to establishing a model athletics program," said SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart. "Our Strategic Plan, the SMU Advantage, calls us to this, and as Athletic Director, I want SMU to be at the forefront with programs like this. I appreciate the time and commitment of the Athletic Council and program participants and know this will make us better as a department."
