NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science have formed a partnership to educate all graduate-level athletic training students in critical issues relating to diversity and multicultural education.
Dr. Keilea Sumrall, assistant professor of kinesiology and health science, said every new cohort of graduate students will attend a workshop presented by the OMA on diversity, cultural competency and inclusion in health care. The new initiative, which began this semester, adheres to the guidance of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, which puts diversity, equity and inclusion at the center of its mission.
“As the profession of athletic training strives to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment, we felt our graduate program should mirror our profession in preparing future athletic training health care professionals,” Sumrall said. “This partnership with the OMA allows our program to connect with the university on a broader level while preparing our students to be culturally competent health care providers, as well as kind and inclusive Lumberjacks.”
Ja’von Long, assistant director of the OMA, said he’s excited to see how the partnership will add to the preparation of future inclusive athletic trainers.
“We are proud of this new collaborative effort to create a campus environment where all students, staff and faculty feel welcome and included,” Long said. “This partnership will allow the office to continue to create networks of support and provide learning opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural interaction promoting respect for diversity and multicultural education.”
For more information on SFA’s athletic training graduate program, visit sfasu.edu/kinesiology.
Axe ’Em, Jacks!