Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the graduation of the NCAA Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females. The year-long program is designed to prepare diverse leaders for senior-level positions in athletics administration and by doing so, address one of the most critical inequalities in intercollegiate athletics.

Of the 331 athletics directors in Division I, there are 44 minority men and 8 women. In Division II, where there are 291 athletics directors there are 36 minority men and 10 women.

The numbers in Division III, the NCAA's largest division, are even more striking. Of the 444 athletics directors only 13 minority men and 5 women represented.
Those numbers are not nearly high enough.

The Institute is proof that there are accomplished minority men and women who possess the skills to succeed in these top positions.

So, why does there remain such a dearth of minority representation?

I had the opportunity to speak to some of yesterday's graduates when they were in town several months ago for a training weekend. When I talked with them about the uses of new media, I found them to be both engaged and forward-thinking and given their accomplishments to date, that's no surprise.

Applicants for the Institute must have at least three years of experience in athletics administration or transferrable experiences. They must also express a demonstrated commitment to develop professionally as administrators within the field of sports.

The result of this selective process produces a class of accomplished young minority leaders ready and able to take on the challenges of a senior athletics administration.
The program's success comes from its commitment to both training and networking.

Bonds forged during the four professional development sessions and week-long intensive workshop, give the Institute participants a community that they can turn to and rely upon as they continue down their professional paths.

These are bright individuals that will make a positive and lasting impact on our college campuses across the country. All they need is the opportunity to advance and the support to succeed.

If we are to take seriously the need to diversify college athletics, programs like the Institute are a critical step, but they can only go so far. As an Association, we must commit ourselves to look beyond the traditional hiring paradigm and realize that we will all be better off when we embrace diverse perspectives--especially in decision-making roles.