WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ...
Quotes on NIU's Selection as the 2022 Recipient of the NCAA/MOAA Diversity and Inclusion Award
Dr. Lisa C. Freeman, NIU President
"We are extremely proud to be the first two-time recipient of the NCAA/MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our DNA at NIU, and no unit on campus exemplifies our commitment to creating an inclusive university experience more than Huskie Athletics. Congratulations to Sean [Frazier], [Senior Associate Athletic Director] Courtney [Vinson], our head coaches and the entire staff on being recognized as a national leader in this effort."
Sean T. Frazier, NIU Vice President, Director of Athletics and Recreation
"At Northern Illinois University, we live the values of diversity, equity and inclusion every day. Becoming the first institution to earn the NCAA/MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion for a second time is a validation of what we have accomplished so far, as well as a recognition of our ongoing commitment in this critical area.
"This award represents the hard work being done throughout Huskie Athletics by coaches, staff, student-athletes and teams to create an inclusive and accepting environment. We could not have made the strides forward we have made – and will continue to make - in this area without the collaboration of our university and community partners, and the leadership of President Freeman and the Board of Trustees.
"Advancing the causes of diversity, equity and inclusion in intercollegiate athletics has been a passion of mine throughout my career, and I'm extremely proud that NIU continues to carry the torch forward."
Courtney Vinson, NIU Senior Associate Athletic Director, Sports Administration
"The beauty about winning this award is it highlights the importance of having a clear vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a university and athletics department.
"The NIU student-athletes made an indelible mark through their passion for social justice by showing up, learning, listening, and speaking truth to power. By allowing them to lead from their seat, administrators had the privilege to watch them find their voice.
"This also demonstrates the power that college campuses hold when athletics collaborates with the campus community to create, foster, and maintain an environment that embraces the humanity of people. I want to thank our campus partners, coaches, and staff for their daily contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our athletic department.
Vernese Edghill-Walden, NIU Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
"This award means a lot to NIU and reflects the long-standing commitment HUSKIES have to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Under Sean Frazier's leadership, diversity, equity and inclusive excellence remains a major priority in the NIU Athletics department. As Chief Diversity Officer, I am grateful for the continued partnership between athletics and the Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) to ensure that we are giving our students, faculty and staff tools and resources for success in and out of the classroom. We are committed to building an inclusive community, advancing equity, and advocating for social justice, awareness and action. We've accomplished a lot but recognize how much more we must accomplish together! Congratulations and Go Huskies!"
Edward Scott, 2021-22 President, Minority Opportunities Athletic Association/ Director of Athletics, Morgan State University
"MOAA is pleased to recognize Northern Illinois University as this year's winner of the NCAA/MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Through its efforts in education, continued evaluation and assessment, along with cross campus collaboration, Northern Illinois University has established an organizational culture that is committed to the values of diversity and inclusion."
Connie Teaberry, Director of Track and Field/ Cross Country
"Diversity and Inclusion is a movement that everyone at NIU has a hand in improving. It's a combination of different voices and ideas. Winning this award for the second time in my tenure at NIU shows we are heading in the right direction and not settling, but continuously working to raise the bar. We keep striving to be and do better. This award makes us work harder to implement the values that this award stands for. I'm honored to be a part of this journey, serving on D.I.G and watching our campus/community. I know there are many more awards like this to come, because Huskies are relentless when it comes to making sure things are done right! Congratulations Huskies!'
Paulina Castro, NIU Women's Basketball Student-Athlete
"I have had the honor and privilege to be part of the NIU Diversity Integration Group and the Student-Athlete Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Being a member of these groups, I have gained great perspective in what NIU strives for. What is most encouraging about all the efforts made towards diversity and inclusion are the actions behind the initiatives. Both groups consist of constant discussion and teamwork to make NIU a better place to be.
"Administration, support staff, and coaches give us, the student athletes, the tools and platforms we need to grow in these areas. They encourage us to use our voices, get involved in the community, educate ourselves, and challenge one another.
"NIU receiving this award speaks volumes on the amount of dedication that has been poured into the entire athletic department. NIU Athletics have created a space of intentional practices that invite and include all to have a voice. I am grateful to be surrounded by administration and coaches who strive for this every day.
"I am so happy for the NIU athletic department to be recognized in such a prestigious way. I am excited to be part of the growth that will continue!"
Molly B. Holmes, Director, NIU Gender and Sexuality Resource Center
"I continue to be encouraged by the commitment to inclusion and diversity education being cultivated by Huskie student-athletes, coaches, staff, and administrators. NIU Huskie Athletics shows promise to staying current, centering student-athletes' development, and growing knowledge in the department as topics continue to evolve. My department is a motivated partner of the NIU Huskie Athletics, and I am excited about where the momentum of these diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts will take us in the future."
Ray Gooden, Head Women's Volleyball Coach
As a 20-year member of the athletics department, I continue to see growth and development through representation and opportunity. When everyone feels included is when we are at our best.
Monique Bernoudy, Vice President for Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
"It is humbling and exhilarating for the NCAA and MOAA to recognize NIU for our diversity, equity and inclusion work a second time. We consistently work to raise the bar and this Diversity and Inclusion Award confirms we are continuing to move in the right direction. The key to our success is maintaining engaged and sustainable partnerships within and beyond our campus. NIU is fortunate to have an athletic department that has great leadership and works collaboratively to create a community where all are heard, recognized, engaged, and feel they belong."
Miles Baggett, Athletics Marketing Graduate Assistant and Former Football Student-Athlete
"Coming to NIU and being a part of the athletics department not only as a student-athlete but now a graduate assistant has been a great experience for me. There are many intuitions and Athletics departments across the nation that talk about being diverse and inclusive but are still learning how to do so. Here at NIU this is something we practice every day. When I transferred here, it was the first time I'd seen a true mixture of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicity and gender within the athletic department that stretches beyond just the athletes. This makes me proud to be a Huskie and continue to raise the standard of DEI within sports."
