TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Athletics formed its Inclusive Excellence Council in the winter of 2018 to focus on increasing and supporting inclusion, building trust, and appreciating differences amongst our student-athletes within the athletics department. The Inclusive Excellence Council will use its work within our athletics department in support of the University of Arizona's commitment to a vibrant, empowered and inclusive campus.
 
"The creation of the Inclusive Excellence Council is an important addition to our athletics department as we celebrate and recognize the unique diversity of Arizona Athletics, the University of Arizona and our Southern Arizona Community," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke. "Incorporating the important work of this group throughout our athletics department is a vital part of our pursuit of inclusive excellence. It is a key value in everything we do in Arizona Athletics."
 
The council began its important work by organizing the department's celebration of Black History Month, creating a "Lunch and Learn" series to enhance internal communication and awareness as well as participating in all search processes for filling job openings throughout the athletics department. The council has also engaged campus and national partners for key collaborations, including the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Men and Women of Purpose, African-American Student Affairs (AASA) and the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators' (NACMA) Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
 
In addition to the valuable work it has already accomplished, this newly-formed council will continue to look to foster the importance of diversity and inclusion through programming, educational events, new hire processes, speaker series and more.
 
Inclusive Excellence Council Members
Thomas Harris, Associate Director of Marketing (Co-Chair)
Krystal Swindlehurst, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics for Human Resources (Co-Chair)
Becky Bell, Associate Athletics Director for C.A.T.S Life Skills
James Francis, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations
Sofia Read, Assistant Director of C.A.T.S Life Skills
Roberta Stout, Assistant Athletics Director for Community Relations
Rita Stubbs, Assistant Volleyball Coach
Corey Talley, C.A.T.S Academics Counselor