University of Minnesota Athletics
Diversity & Inclusion Four-Year Plan
Mission Statement
To Support a Culture of Acceptance and Understanding Where Individual Differences Are Embraced for a Shared Advance.
Vision
To Attract, Recruit, Develop and Retain People Representing Diverse Experiences.
The emphasis of this strategic plan will be in these four areas:
In addition to the core committee for Diversity and Inclusion members, there are three subcommittees comprising a diverse group of staff that work in various roles within Gopher Athletics who assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Four-Year Plan. All three working groups are focused on an important area of growth for diversity and inclusion with one specific goal. All of the staff members that are involved possess a unique perspective that is helping to create an inclusive experience within Golden Gopher Athletics. The subcommittees are as follows:
Goal: Equip student-athletes, staff and coaches with the knowledge, understanding and tools to foster an inclusive department culture. Empower all department members to actively promote and engage in this inclusive culture.
Ensure Talent Acquisition and Retention
Goal: Identify and recruit a diverse pool of candidates for all positions. Retain diverse employees through intentional engagement and opportunities in the Athletic Department, campus and community.
Foster Outreach and Service
Goal: To connect with diverse populations and communities through sport.
To Support a Culture of Acceptance and Understanding Where Individual Differences Are Embraced for a Shared Advance.
Vision
To Attract, Recruit, Develop and Retain People Representing Diverse Experiences.
The emphasis of this strategic plan will be in these four areas:
- Be a Champion of Diversity and Inclusion
- Provide Education, Awareness and Action
- Ensure Talent Acquisition and Retention
- Foster Outreach and Service
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| Tricia Budke Director of Athletics HR/ Chief of Staff |
Joi Thomas Executive Associate AD Health & Performance |
Peyton N. Owens III Senior Associate AD Leadership & Strategic Partnership Chief Diversity and Inclusions Officer |
In addition to the core committee for Diversity and Inclusion members, there are three subcommittees comprising a diverse group of staff that work in various roles within Gopher Athletics who assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Four-Year Plan. All three working groups are focused on an important area of growth for diversity and inclusion with one specific goal. All of the staff members that are involved possess a unique perspective that is helping to create an inclusive experience within Golden Gopher Athletics. The subcommittees are as follows:
- Provide Education, Awareness, and Action
- Ensure Talent Acquisition and Retention
- Foster Outreach and Service
Goal: Equip student-athletes, staff and coaches with the knowledge, understanding and tools to foster an inclusive department culture. Empower all department members to actively promote and engage in this inclusive culture.
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| Scott McWilliams Assistant Director Athletic Performance |
Peyton N. Owens III Senior Associate AD Leadership & Strategic Partnership Chief Diversity and Inclusions Officer |
Mara-Paige Rincher Assistant Athletic Trainer Athletic Performance |
Ronni Beatty-Kollasch Associate Athletic Trainer |
Ensure Talent Acquisition and Retention
Goal: Identify and recruit a diverse pool of candidates for all positions. Retain diverse employees through intentional engagement and opportunities in the Athletic Department, campus and community.
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| Tricia Budke Director of Athletics HR/ Chief of Staff |
Milly Knight HR/Payroll Assistant |
Jase Miller Associate Director of Business Operations |
Bryan Whitlock Assistant Director of Athletic Performance |
Foster Outreach and Service
Goal: To connect with diverse populations and communities through sport.
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| Joi Thomas Executive Associate AD Health & Performance |
Mike Wierzbicki Sr. Associate AD External Affairs |
Stephanie Davis Associate AD Event Management |
Adam Chier Assistant Director of Athletic Performance |
Ryan Dotson Assistant Athletics Trainer, Men's Basketball |