In recognition of the collective efforts of its member institutions to make diversity and inclusion a priority, the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Presidents’ Council, including Wittenberg University President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., earned the inaugural Award for Diversity and Inclusion from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), Jan. 17, during the NCAA Convention in Grapevine, Texas.

“The NCAC Presidents’ Council has done a phenomenal job introducing strategic and thoughtful practices and programs that not only encourage diversity and inclusion, but also ensure that a variety of voices and perspectives will be heard within its member schools and conference,” said NCAA Executive Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer Bernard Franklin.

This latest award aligns with another national recognition. For the second year in a row, Wittenberg's athletics program earned the Jostens/NADIIIAA Community Service Award from the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators. The award praises Wittenberg's commitment to engaging scholar-athletes in the community, connecting them to alumni mentors and providing access to global educational opportunities as part of the university's NCAA Division III-endorsed Tiger GAME Plan.