GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) athletic department has announced the formation of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Spartans Honor, Inclusion, Equity, Love & Diversity).
S.H.I.E.L.D. seeks to foster a united voice with the UNCG athletics staff and student-athletes to prioritize cultural diversity in its student-athlete engagement, internal and external functions, and hiring practices.
In addition, S.H.I.E.L.D. will also focus on professional growth through education and the celebration of diversity and inclusion. The group will work together to develop programming, brainstorm ideas and provide opportunities for dialogue.
Diversity is one of UNCG's guiding principles as it fosters an inclusive environment of respect and collaboration that enriches the entire community.
Co-chaired by the director of the Spartan Club
April Albritton and director of business services
Kiara Porter, who thought of the name of the group, S.H.I.E.L.D. will include student-athletes, coaches and staff. The inclusive group will report to associate athletic director for student-athlete support services/diversity & intercultural engagement
Kristin Rusboldt, who was recently given the responsibility for coordinating and monitoring diversity & intercultural engagement.
In addition to Albritton, Porter and Rusboldt, current S.H.I.E.L.D. members include:
- Eric Burns, senior associate athletic director for business operations
- Jen Farrell, sports psychologist
- Andre Gray, assistant men's basketball coach
- Jeff Gross, assistant women's soccer coach
- Cole Henderson, coordinator, student-athlete services
- Jaime Ibarra-Perez, assistant men's soccer coach
- Rob Knox, associate athletic director for strategic communications
- Trina Patterson, head women's basketball coach
- Bethaney Wells, assistant softball coach
- Stefani Workman, assistant women's soccer coach
S.H.I.E.L.D. is one of a number of key UNCG athletic department initiatives in its relentless pursuit of diversity, equality, and inclusion of people regardless of skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
Since June, UNCG athletics has taken the following action steps in its effort to combat the barriers of systemic oppression, voter suppression, injustice towards people of color, and educate its athletic department staff as outlined in
Kim Record's statement on social injustice from June 3, 2020.
- Started an initiative that focuses on voter education and voter registration for all UNCG student-athletes and athletics department staff.
- Participated in peaceful protests in downtown Greensboro and other cities around the state of North Carolina.
- UNCG student-athletes and staff joined renowned speakers Jen Fry and Victoria Farris in an engaging, thoughtful and impactful reflections and discussions around pertinent and current issues and/or events that effect culture, climate and experience.
- Introduced a written series called "Spartan Stories" in which UNCG student-athletes and staff have a platform to impactfully share their perspectives and personal experiences about topics related to race and social justice.
