Bethany College Athletics Launches Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Bethany, W.Va. – Bethany College Athletics has announced a newly created Athletic Department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to lead a department-wide effort to help advance the College's commitment to anti-racism, social justice, and equality. This committee also serves as a subcommittee to President's Council on DEI and the Task Force on the Black Experience on Campus.

The DEI Committee purpose is to gather and put forth informative and educational experiences for all members of our Bethany Community, but specifically for our student-athletes and coaches. 

"I am really proud and excited for the leadership this committee will bring to our campus community," said Director of Athletics Steve Thompson.  "We often talk about our coaches and scholar-athletes being leaders on this campus, and this committee will provide real opportunities to not only be leaders on this campus but make a real different at Bethany and our surrounding communities."

The action-oriented Athletic Department Diversity Committee will be chaired by Justin Thomas, head baseball coach, who will be joined by esteemed members of the Department of Athletics at Bethany College.

"Our goal for the Athletic Department DEI Committee is to gain access to educational materials on diversity, equity and inclusion. Acknowledging all backgrounds will lead us to having a better understanding about the experiences of our scholar-athletes, coaches, and staff," said Justin Thomas.

 "I am excited to work with this group of outstanding coaches and our Scholar-Athletes to build a more inclusive Bethany community. We want Bethany College to be a welcoming environment for everyone while educating one another and a space where all can achieve their goals working together," Thomas concluded.

The committee also includes head volleyball coach and SWA Courtney Kline, head women's lacrosse coach Liz Blake, head track and field coach and assistant football coach Andy Upton, head football coach Bill Garvey, and director of student-athlete success Meighan Julbert.

Over the holiday break, the diversity committee is planning to have professional development and coaching education workshops.  The purpose of these workshops is to continue to develop ourselves as coaches and athletic administrators.  Workshops will include professional development segments lead by Dr. Tahirah Walker and Meighan Julbert.  Dr. Walker serves as the institution's Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and leads the President's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

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