Jan. 11, 2006

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Washington State University has been named a recipient of the "Overall Excellence in Diversity" award presented by the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport at Texas A&M University.

The Diversity in Athletics Award, which is presented on an annual basis by the organization, recognizes the NCAA Division I-A athletic departments that excel in the area of diversity. In addition to earning the overall excellence honor, WSU also earned an award in the Title IX compliance category.

"To have Washington State recognized for overall excellence in diversity and Title IX compliance is a tremendous honor," WSU Director of Athletics Jim Sterk said. "I am especially pleased because these awards recognize a commitment we've made to our diversity efforts and are a great testament to our dedicated staff and student-athlete population.

"As nice as it is to receive this distinction, we will always strive for continued growth and improvement in all areas of our diversity effort," Sterk added.

WSU was one of 10 schools recognized in the Overall Excellence in Diversity category and one of 11 schools in the Title IX Compliance category.

The organization release states: "Despite the numerous diversity-related problems and issues in university athletics, there are many athletic departments that excel in the area of diversity. These departments are open to all persons, regardless of their demographic characteristics, values, attitudes or preferences. These persons have access to all positions within the department, including leadership positions. The departments have non-discriminatory policies and regulations. They value their employees and student-athletes, and make efforts to treat them fairly and justly. In short, these departments value diversity. The purpose of the Diversity in Athletes Award is to recognize these departments."

The Laboratory for Diversity in Sport at Texas A&M University is directed by Dr. George Cunningham, who conducted the surveys of each university's athletics departments. For more information on the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport or the Diversity in Athletics Award, please visit their website at: http://lds.tamu.edu