Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan Claims 2023-24 1-MAC Institutional Award
9/5/2024 2:00:00 PM | General, Engagement
This marks the first time EMU has claimed the honor
CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics was selected as the winner of the 1-MAC Institution Award for the 2023-24 academic year. This marks the first time EMU has been honored with this prestigious recognition, highlighting its efforts in fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within its athletic programs.
The Mid-American Conference annually presents the 1-MAC Institution Award to a university that demonstrates outstanding commitment to creating an inclusive environment for student-athletes, staff, and the broader campus community. EMU stood out for its transformative initiatives that focused on inclusivity, personal growth, and the mental well-being of its athletes and staff.
"The entire EMU family is thrilled to be recognized with the 1-MAC Institution Award," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and student-athletes, who have embraced the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are proud to continue making Eastern Michigan University a place where everyone feels valued and supported."
EMU's recognition reflects its dedicated efforts throughout the 2023-24 academic year, during which the Department of Athletics shifted from planning to actively implementing key DEIB initiatives. The following highlights underscore EMU's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all:
Belonging Initiatives: EMU worked diligently on creating a sense of belonging for all student-athletes, through department-wide events, such as the Welcome Back Picnic and the Student-Athlete Appreciation Picnic, as well as the freshman kick-off and mentoring program.
High Participation in MAC's Impact & Excellence Program: EMU led the conference in session attendance, with a remarkable 187 sessions attended, surpassing peer institutions.
Establishment of the DEIB Committee: Comprised of 18 members, including student-athletes, coaches, and staff, this committee launched impactful initiatives such as the Mentor Collective to support freshman athletes and organized educational events aimed at promoting DEIB awareness.
Mental Health and DEI Week: Spearheaded by EMU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), this event featured film festivals, open-mic nights, multicultural food samples, and allyship training sessions to promote inclusivity and well-being.
Volunteerism: EMU student-athletes contributed over 6,443 hours of community service, an 850-hour increase from the previous year, further solidifying the department's commitment to giving back.
"It is my honor to announce Eastern Michigan University as the winner of the 1-MAC Institution Award," said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. "President Smith, Scott Wetherbee and the entire athletics administration have provided EMU with tremendous leadership in establishing a culture that foster access and opportunity."
EMU's forward-thinking initiatives will serve as a model for future DEIB practices. In the coming years, it plans to further enhance its programming and resources. These goals include updating policies, establishing affinity groups, and expanding the scope of its DEIB website and resources.
In November of 2016, the MAC announced one of the most comprehensive Inclusion Programs in Division I intercollegiate athletics to begin during the 2017-18 academic year.
The MAC Inclusion Program has positioned the MAC as a leader within collegiate athletics. This Program has evolved and developed through the years to provide education and training opportunities, leadership development and advancement opportunities for coaches, administrators and student-athletes.
The MAC is dedicated to the student-athlete experience and well-being is a top priority. To continue to promote and strengthen the student-athletes within the MAC, the Conference Office will continue its efforts in inclusion in order to provide better support to our young adults.
1-MAC Institution Award
2024: Eastern Michigan University
2023: University at Buffalo
2022: Bowling Green State University
2021: University at Buffalo
2020: University at Buffalo
2019: University at Buffalo
2018: University at Buffalo
About the Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference office is based in Cleveland, Ohio as the Conference office serves 12 full-time members and offers championships in 23 sports. Founded in 1946, the Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I, 12-member conference that sponsors 23 championships and is one of ten members of the Football Bowl Subdivison (FBS). With a total enrollment of nearly 300,000 students, the league represents institutions of higher learning in five (5) states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Ohio.
About Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1971 and has been among the league's most successful members. The Division I program boasts 158 MAC team championships, the most of any team in the league during that span. Eastern Michigan, which has had a representative at every summer Olympics since 1960, has won 15 team national championships and 55 individual national titles since 1932. For more information about Eastern Michigan Athletics, visit EMUEagles.com.
The Mid-American Conference annually presents the 1-MAC Institution Award to a university that demonstrates outstanding commitment to creating an inclusive environment for student-athletes, staff, and the broader campus community. EMU stood out for its transformative initiatives that focused on inclusivity, personal growth, and the mental well-being of its athletes and staff.
"The entire EMU family is thrilled to be recognized with the 1-MAC Institution Award," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and student-athletes, who have embraced the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are proud to continue making Eastern Michigan University a place where everyone feels valued and supported."
EMU's recognition reflects its dedicated efforts throughout the 2023-24 academic year, during which the Department of Athletics shifted from planning to actively implementing key DEIB initiatives. The following highlights underscore EMU's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all:
Belonging Initiatives: EMU worked diligently on creating a sense of belonging for all student-athletes, through department-wide events, such as the Welcome Back Picnic and the Student-Athlete Appreciation Picnic, as well as the freshman kick-off and mentoring program.
High Participation in MAC's Impact & Excellence Program: EMU led the conference in session attendance, with a remarkable 187 sessions attended, surpassing peer institutions.
Establishment of the DEIB Committee: Comprised of 18 members, including student-athletes, coaches, and staff, this committee launched impactful initiatives such as the Mentor Collective to support freshman athletes and organized educational events aimed at promoting DEIB awareness.
Mental Health and DEI Week: Spearheaded by EMU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), this event featured film festivals, open-mic nights, multicultural food samples, and allyship training sessions to promote inclusivity and well-being.
Volunteerism: EMU student-athletes contributed over 6,443 hours of community service, an 850-hour increase from the previous year, further solidifying the department's commitment to giving back.
"It is my honor to announce Eastern Michigan University as the winner of the 1-MAC Institution Award," said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. "President Smith, Scott Wetherbee and the entire athletics administration have provided EMU with tremendous leadership in establishing a culture that foster access and opportunity."
EMU's forward-thinking initiatives will serve as a model for future DEIB practices. In the coming years, it plans to further enhance its programming and resources. These goals include updating policies, establishing affinity groups, and expanding the scope of its DEIB website and resources.
In November of 2016, the MAC announced one of the most comprehensive Inclusion Programs in Division I intercollegiate athletics to begin during the 2017-18 academic year.
The MAC Inclusion Program has positioned the MAC as a leader within collegiate athletics. This Program has evolved and developed through the years to provide education and training opportunities, leadership development and advancement opportunities for coaches, administrators and student-athletes.
The MAC is dedicated to the student-athlete experience and well-being is a top priority. To continue to promote and strengthen the student-athletes within the MAC, the Conference Office will continue its efforts in inclusion in order to provide better support to our young adults.
1-MAC Institution Award
2024: Eastern Michigan University
2023: University at Buffalo
2022: Bowling Green State University
2021: University at Buffalo
2020: University at Buffalo
2019: University at Buffalo
2018: University at Buffalo
About the Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference office is based in Cleveland, Ohio as the Conference office serves 12 full-time members and offers championships in 23 sports. Founded in 1946, the Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I, 12-member conference that sponsors 23 championships and is one of ten members of the Football Bowl Subdivison (FBS). With a total enrollment of nearly 300,000 students, the league represents institutions of higher learning in five (5) states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Ohio.
About Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1971 and has been among the league's most successful members. The Division I program boasts 158 MAC team championships, the most of any team in the league during that span. Eastern Michigan, which has had a representative at every summer Olympics since 1960, has won 15 team national championships and 55 individual national titles since 1932. For more information about Eastern Michigan Athletics, visit EMUEagles.com.
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