Wilson Recognized Among "Top 25 Women in Higher Education" By Diverse Magazine
6/30/2015 2:20:00 PM | General, Athletics
Carla Wilson
UMKC Director of Athletics
Diverse Magazine: “Top 25 Women in Higher Education”
Wilson was recognized along with three other leaders from the UMKC campus during the past year.
Q&A with Carla Wilson:
What were your thoughts when you learned of the award?
I was truly speechless. I had no idea I was being considered, and it is an extreme honor to have been chosen.
What does it mean to you and the university to receive an award from this publication, organization or city?
To have Diverse Issues in Higher Education choose me for this honor is a testament to the “thinking out of the box” that allowed me to be hired into this position. For African American women Directors of Athletics at the NCAA Division I level, statistics speak to the lack of diversity and inclusion. Diverse Issues in Higher Education recognized the breaking of the glass ceiling at UMKC.
Can you identify specific accomplishments that resulted in your selection?
The credit goes to the Athletics' staff, coaches and student-athletes whose hard work garnered national attention. Accomplishments include the volleyball and men's basketball teams defeating Mizzou; the Outdoor Track & Field team winning their first WAC championship; and track athlete Courtney Frerichs placing second nationally in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. Also, three teams were WAC Champions; two WAC coaches-of-the-year; a cumulative GPA of 3.29 (220+ student-athletes); and five All-Americans. Programming such as Ladies Networking Night and Jerseys to Suits, where female and male student athletes network with the business community has been used as a model for other intercollegiate athletics departments around the country.
While the recognition I received was a great honor, I really believe my selection was a result of our collective efforts.
Is receipt of this award beneficial to your position, career and/or the university?
Yes. To receive this honor from a professional organization that is not athletics-specific demonstrates that athletics does not exist in a vacuum, but is part of the broader community.
What are your goals to further promote diversity in this community?
My goals include encouraging employees to join professional organizations that promote diversity, and to do their due diligence in recruiting diverse student-athletes who are reflective of the local and regional landscape.
I want student athletes to continue to collaborate with other student groups, such as International Student Council. Joint programming allows them opportunities to learn more about one other.
When it comes to hiring, we must be deliberate and intentional in establishing a diverse candidate pool, and we must make sure a diverse population is involved in the recruiting and interview process. Finally, we need to partner with campus and community groups in the urban core where we work, live and play.
What are the greatest obstacles/challenges to creating a more diverse environment in a department?
Opening peoples' minds to what can be, instead of what has always been. It will take a shift in thinking and support from those who are a part of the majority, to champion the people and causes that are in the minority.
Speak to your leadership and community engagement – what can you share with students or staff that will help them in these areas as they move into leadership roles?
Don't be afraid to move outside your comfort zone. Take opportunities to work in areas that will provide a more broad-based experience. Listen and learn, and don't ask others to do those things you wouldn't do yourself.
How can women better support one another?
Join professional organizations for and by women in your particular field. For me, that is the NACWAA. We also must serve as mentors to those preparing for a career in your field. We can help them improve their leadership skills, and share ideas and lessons learned. Each one, teach one and bring one
By Wandra Green, UMKC Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications
