St. Mary’s College Wins 2025 NCAA/MOAA Division III Award for Diversity and Inclusion
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is celebrating a significant milestone, having been awarded the prestigious 2025 NCAA/MOAA Division III Award for Diversity and Inclusion. This recognition, granted by the NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, comes in acknowledgment of the college’s exemplary commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment within its athletics community.
Celebrating Diversity Initiatives
St. Mary’s College joins an elite group of recipients, including Villanova University and Southern Connecticut State University, the respective Division I and II award honorees. This award celebrates institutions that embrace diversity and inclusion in their intercollegiate athletics. The recognition underscores the “St. Mary’s Way,” a pledge that aligns with the college’s initiatives in community engagement, education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The college’s Department of Athletics & Recreation supports its commitment through programming and practices that engage students, staff, and the local community.
“Being recognized on such a platform highlights our ongoing efforts and commitment to inclusivity,” remarked Crystal Gibson, Director of Athletics & Recreation at St. Mary’s College. “Our institution and athletics department have deeply ingrained values centered around diversity, and this award serves as a testament to our relentless pursuit of inclusivity.”
Impact on the Community
Winning the NCAA/MOAA Division III Award is not only a significant achievement for St. Mary’s College but also carries profound implications for the local community. As the college garners national recognition, it places Southern Maryland on the map for its inclusive practices, promoting a message of acceptance and diversity that resonates far beyond the confines of the campus. The acknowledgment also spotlights the potential for local collaborations, fostering partnerships between St. Mary’s College and community organizations to further diversity and inclusion endeavors.
United East Conference Commissioner Stephanie Dutton praised the college’s achievement, saying, “The recognition of St. Mary’s College’s efforts is well-earned and reflects their impactful work. Their leadership in diversity and inclusion sets a shining example for others.”
A Legacy of Inclusivity
The college’s historical commitment to diversity is deeply woven into its operational fabric. The “St. Mary’s Way” pledge, taken by every student, faculty, and staff member, profoundly impacts the college culture. The athletics department exemplifies this philosophy through mandatory diversity reviews during hiring, DEI training programs, and actively celebrating events such as National Coming Out Day and Black History Month.
The university’s robust collaboration with local organizations, including Parks and Recreation, showcases a concerted effort to amplify inclusive practices. Notably, these partnerships manifest in Special Olympics events, women’s history panels, and significant commemorative events like Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, offering practical engagement opportunities that unify the campus with the broader community.
Future Directions and Opportunities
Looking forward, St. Mary’s College aims to sustain and build upon its diversity and inclusion accomplishments. Continued innovation in programming and the exploration of further collaborations can provide fertile ground for expanding these efforts. The national recognition provides a platform for St. Mary’s College to influence other institutions, reinforcing inclusive excellence that can inspire policies and practices elsewhere.
Dr. Alex Nogales, a local education researcher, asserts, “Success like this stems from sustained commitment and proactive change. St. Mary’s College serves as a model for how higher education institutions can successfully integrate diversity initiatives into their core mission.”
Local Support and Resources
Residents of Southern Maryland and beyond can engage with these initiatives by attending open-house events and forums hosted by St. Mary’s College. Such events provide insight into ongoing efforts and allow community members to propose new initiatives and collaborative opportunities.
To find more information or support these programs, contact St. Mary’s College Department of Athletics & Recreation directly via their website or contact number. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and diversity, the college continues to enrich its community, setting a precedent for local organizations and other educational institutions.
As this recognition grows, the community interest surrounding such positive developments is expected to foster further discussion and progress in diversity and inclusion initiatives, illustrating the broader benefits of these efforts for residents and local impact. St. Mary’s College stands as a beacon of diversity in collegiate athletics, championing the values of acceptance and inclusivity for all.
