Our colleague Dr. DeAnne Brooks recently presented at the South East American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM) Conference. Her presentation was a collaboration with Dr. Jared Russel of Auburn University and Dr. TJ Exford of NC A&T State University titled “Thinking Strategically About Organizational Diversity: Promising Practices and Action Steps for Kinesiology Units.” The presentation focused on the significance and importance of DEI in Kinesiology, as well as practical steps and solutions to create more inclusive and diverse Kinesiology departments at universities across the country.
Dr. Brooks’ highlighted the disparity between people of color in faculty positions in comparison to the number of students who are people of color. Dr. Brooks offered a solution to this issue and has already started putting it into action by hosting a UNCG Kinesiology Graduate open house in partnership with HBCUs and MSIs to recruit, support and prepare students for leadership positions. More events like this are planned.
She will present again at the ACSM Annual Meeting and World Congresses May 31 in San Diego, California. The presentation will emphasize that “the most diverse organizations are most likely to outperform less diverse organizations”, and that “the greater the representation of diversity the higher the likelihood of outperformance.” We are looking forward to hearing about the impact the presentation has at the conference, and that organizations will see how DEI is a win for everyone involved. Great work Dr. Brooks!
To find out more about what we are doing at UNCG and in the EdD online program click here.