NJCAA hires Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Charlotte, NC - The NJCAA has announced the hiring of Kevin Thomas as the association's Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In a newly created position at the NJCAA National Office, Thomas will develop and lead association-wide diversity efforts that are inclusive of all aspects of personal identities. Thomas will also serve as the liaison between the National Office and various membership-led councils, including the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Council while leading the development of a nation-wide equity, diversity, and inclusion program for over 500 member colleges.
"I am excited to be the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the National Junior College Athletic Association. It is my belief that the NJCAA can have a significant impact on the communities it serves by ensuring everyone receives equal opportunities and fair treatment. When equity exists, people have equal access to opportunities, and it creates an advantageous environment for everyone," Thomas expressed. "I look forward to working with our team, and all our partners to develop a national equity, diversity, and inclusion program, ensuring that all people regardless of their psychological, physical, and social differences have equitable access to education and sports."
Thomas brings eighteen years of experience to the NJCAA relating to program development, prevention education, training, coaching, and diversity and inclusion practices. Most recently, Thomas spent nearly five years with the Mecklenburg County (NC) Health Department as an Information and Education Coordinator in the Positive Parenting Program. In this role, Thomas developed strategic plans and facilitated training around diversity, cultural competence, equity, and engagement.
"The NJCAA is excited for Kevin Thomas to join the National Office staff," stated Dr. Christopher J. Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. "Kevin has an outstanding record of inspiring and motivating individuals around cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity. As the association's inaugural Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Kevin will play a key role in ensuring opportunities are available for thousands of student-athletes nationwide."
As the National Office liaison for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council, Thomas will work hand-in-hand with the Council, the NJCAA Racial Equality Subcommittee, and the NJCAA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Region Ambassadors to promote and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within the NJCAA. Thomas will assist Region Ambassadors to develop a working framework to form the inaugural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Region Committees and lead their respective regions in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives. The Region Ambassador program will set the foundation for Region Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committees to make an impact on the regional and national level while placing an intentional focus on educating, empowering, and engaging NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, and administrators.
"Kevin is a dynamic experienced leader who will bolster our equity, diversity, and inclusion network, and further advance our mission to bring the ideals of equity, diversity, and inclusion into purposeful actions for our members," stated Kerri-Ann McTiernan, NJCAA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council Chair. "We are excited to partner with Kevin to successfully lead, develop and implement EDI strategy and execution on behalf of the NJCAA."
About the NJCAA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council
The NJCAA believes in and is committed to the core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in intercollegiate athletics and through its structure, programs, legislation, and policies will promote these values among member institutions.
The NJCAA seeks to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds without being subjected to discrimination.
To learn more about the equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in the NJCAA, visit: NJCAA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council
