INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The University of West Alabama Department of Athletics was recognized recently for its efforts in the area of diversity, as it is one of 10 institutions nationally to earn the Division II Diversity in Athletics Award in the category of African-American Graduation: Female Student-Athletes. The award is presented on an annual basis by Texas A&M University’s Laboratory for Diversity in Sport, in collaboration with the NCAA.

The Diversity in Athletics Award recognizes the NCAA Division II athletic departments that excel in the area of diversity. Departments are recognized in eight categories: diversity strategy, gender diversity of department employees, racial diversity of department employees, value and attitudinal (values, attitudes, and personality) diversity of department employees, graduation of African American male student athletes, graduation of African American female student athletes, Gender Equity compliance (substantial proportionality), and overall excellence in diversity. The Award is presented on an annual basis by the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport at Texas A&M University, in collaboration with the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

“The University of West Alabama is committed to diversity in every way and we are honored that the NCAA has recognized our Department of Athletics for the emphasis in that area,” said UWA Director of Athletics E. J. Brophy. “Diversity is something we always keep on the front burner and it is gratifying to be noticed and appreciated.”

Graduation rate data were collected from the NCAA website (www.ncaa.org) using the four-year average for each school. Graduation rates of student athletes were compared to persons from the same race in the general student body. This was done for both male and female African American student athletes.

For more information on the 2007-2008 Diversity in Athletics awards, please visit the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport website at http://lds.tamu.edu.