UMKC Begins Forward Movement to Improve Athletic Experience
11/13/2018 11:55:00 AM | General, Athletics
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The focus of the past five months has been one of progress, and forward movement for UMKC's Department of Athletics. With a central mission to build a championship experience for all its student-athletes, the department has undergone many positive changes to fulfill that goal.
With a desire to infuse UMKC with a new level of school spirit, the department collaborated with UMKC's world-renowned Conservatory to write and produce a fight song with words, and create a faster-paced alma mater now sung after each home contest. In addition, the department has spread the Roo hand signal across campus, and created a sea of blue on Friday with #RooBlueFriday, encouraging all fans to wear Blue to build spirit and fan engagement.
As the Chancellor noted in his State of the University Address on November 8.
“Our strategies here are focused on school spirit and campus pride …. The evidence is clear these can have an enormous impact on our enrollment; on our retention; and even on our graduation rates.”
Enhancing that culture of pride was key to the decision to move Men's Basketball back to campus beginning January 5.
Last month, UMKC Athletics announced a partnership with HOK for the design of enhanced branding in Swinney Auditorium, which includes graphics for the venue and lobby and signage for the exterior of the building. Additionally, HOK is examining the installation of new LED video boards in the Swinney venue. The work with HOK will significantly impact the fan and student-athlete experience for Men's and Women's Basketball and Women's Volleyball.
“Our vision involves making athletics an integral part of the University” said Interim AD Ursula Gurney. “We want to help bolster school spirit and pride for all.”
In addition to the work with HOK, the Roos will enhance several other key areas which impact the student-athletes and recruiting. New graphics will be installed in the main athletics office in Swinney, Sports Medicine, Sports Performance, Academic Support and the Durwood Team Building. The renovations will benefit all UMKC Athletic programs that continue to compete at the highest level in college sports while remaining competitive in the classroom and active in the community.
“Enhancing our facilities has been a key piece of our forward movement” Gurney added. “It is vital that we show our pride and create a highly-visible and energetic place for our student-athletes to compete, learn and grow.”
The facilities projects are the next step in the work being done by the athletics staff. The walls of the athletic spaces in Swinney and Durwood have been completely repainted and the graphics installation will begin within the next 30 days, while new furniture throughout the department is also part of the enhancements.
The ultimate goal is to create a championship experience inside all of the Roos venues by providing updated looks, branding and outward appearance.
Fundraising was also a focus over the past five months as the Roos launched the Roo Scholarship Fund (RSF), to support the academic achievement and scholarships of student-athletes. On October 18, the sold-out Roo Basketball Gala generated a record number of donations.
“The future of UMKC Athletics is bright and we are excited for the next chapter to begin,” Gurney notes. “Together we are investing in a great University, and in a department whose core values center around growth, integrity, leadership, teamwork and excellence.”
An additional aspect of positive change is the reorganization of the staffing structure. The department is in the midst of hiring a Deputy AD for External Relations and a Marketing Manager. The plan is to have both positions hired by Jan. 1. Related to staffing, the University will make a significant staff announcement on Wednesday, November 14 at 10 a.m. in Swinney Auditorium. This event is open to the public and this special announcement will propel UMKC forward into the future.
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