MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois Director of Athletics Danielle Surprenant has appointed Monyae Williamson, the Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications, the NCAA Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee (ADID) for WIU Athletics. She will also represent Western on the newly-formed Summit League task force on diversity and inclusion.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are intentional. They are conscious efforts to not only invite marginalized groups into the proverbial “room” but to also make sure everyone feels welcomed and supported. When we champion those individuals, the spaces around them become instantly better,” Williamson said.
“It is an honor to be a part of these committees, and I’m incredibly excited for the programming, policies, and practices that are to come.”
As the ADID, Williamson will serve as the university’s primary contact for information related to national, local, and campus-level issues of diversity and inclusion. She will also be the point of contact for NCAA programming and information, including scholarship, grant, and professional development opportunities.
Dr. Brandon Martin, the director of athletics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, was selected to chair the Summit task force. The working group includes representatives from all nine league institutions and will meet bi-monthly to discuss and set forth initiatives that include improving education on diversity and inclusion for all campus stakeholders while also increasing access, improving representation, and advancing support for underrepresented minorities.
“Our vision for this group is to provide our campuses with ways to be actively engaged in making the changes that are necessary to improve diversity and inclusion across the board,” Martin said. “We want to create strategies and implement initiatives that are genuine and purposeful that not only help our current situation but also impact future generations as well.”
***Story courtesy of Western Illinois University***
