INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Southern Connecticut State University Athletics & Recreation has been awarded the 2025 NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Award for Diversity and Inclusion, recognizing their outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment within the athletics community. The Owls were one of three schools in the nation, including Villanova and St. Mary's, to receive the honor.
The Award for Diversity and Inclusion recognizes and celebrates one school or conference office per division for initiatives, policies and practices that embrace diversity and inclusion across the intercollegiate athletics community. This can be achieved through community service, professional development, hiring practices or programming activities that enhance opportunities for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences.
"The effective application of inclusion is intentional creation of policies, procedures and practices that acknowledge cultural experiences and invites all voices to the decision-making table. This award recognizes outstanding recipients in Division I, II and III who diligently create environments of belonging that are safe, equitable spaces for all. This honor celebrates the efforts of member schools and conference offices that embrace diversity and set a standard of inclusive excellence" said Felicia Martin, senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement.
This year's recipients will be honored at the 2025 NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
Southern Connecticut State's department of athletics and recreation has demonstrated a proactive approach in implementing innovative initiatives that promote diverse hiring practices and enhance opportunities for student-athletes from various backgrounds. Through comprehensive programming and community engagement efforts, the department has created an inclusive environment that empowers individuals to thrive.
The department prioritizes diverse candidate pools during recruitment, ensuring that the staff reflects the diversity of the student body and community. Additionally, groups like the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Athletes Fighting Injustice provide platforms for student-athletes to connect, share experiences and plan events. Furthermore, partnerships with local organizations promote outreach and service opportunities, such as a food pantry drive and holiday toy drives.
Southern Connecticut State employs various evaluations and assessments, including comprehensive equity audits, regular anonymous climate surveys and focus groups. Performance metrics track key indicators such as retention rates and participation in diversity training programs, while feedback mechanisms like anonymous suggestion boxes and online platforms allow for ongoing input. Annual reviews assess diversity and inclusion goals, and exit interviews provide feedback from departing student-athletes and staff to identify areas for growth.
Southern Connecticut State offers a wide range of programming and training aimed at increasing cultural and practical competencies, including implicit bias training and diversity and inclusion training. The athletics department implemented Safe Zone training to help staff and student leaders support LGBTQ+ individuals. Southern Connecticut State's community engagement initiatives include conflict resolution and communication skills training. In addition, cultural awareness events celebrate different cultures through food, performances and discussions, and leadership development programs encourage student-athlete leaders to advocate for diversity.
Southern Connecticut State's athletics department engages with diverse alumni in mentorship programs and panels, conducting research on DEI in athletics and collaborating with campus partners through the Owl Wellness Program to address the challenges faced by diverse student-athletes.
