Advocating For Black Excellence – University of Nebraska

I’ve used my position as a student-athlete, in a predominantly white sport like softball, to try and educate my teammates, the athletic department, and staff on many of the issues going on in the country right now in relation to social justice.

The summer of 2020 was a really, really rough time.

I was one of three African Americans on the team that could relate to the things that were happening to black people. So I really had the opportunity to speak up on the issues.

Honestly, that sort of sparked something in me.

But transferring to the University of Nebraska and meeting the Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Lawrence Chatters, took it to a whole other level.

My coach introduced him to me in my first couple of weeks. 

I went in and spoke with him, and ever since that meeting, we’ve been in constant communication. He’s played such a big role in the professional side of who I am.

His position is similar to what I aspire to do in my career. 

I just want an opportunity to be able to make a real difference, you know?

Dr. Chatters has been a great mentor and just an overall amazing person to have on my side for support. He reaches out and makes a real effort in sending me internship opportunities and stuff like that. Speaking of, I actually have an internship lined up with the NCAA — all because of his assistance. 

You can’t put a price tag on having that kind of person in your corner, no matter the circumstances.

Even though Dr. Chatters’ position is new, I believe it’s a great thing that more and more institutions are implementing that role. It’s huge having someone to advocate for different forms of diversity — whether it’s gender, race, ethnicity or anything like that.

All schools, I believe, should have someone like that on their staff.