WVU AD Shane Lyons Announces Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Working with the university’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, West Virginia University athletic director Shane Lyons announced on Tuesday the creation of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee within the athletics department.

“I want to thank the members of the committee for agreeing to be a part of this all-important program,” Lyons said in a press release. “I care and this department cares about our student-athletes, coaches and staff, and we want their voice to help make us stronger. I already think we do a good job of listening and addressing concerns but expanding on those efforts will be a positive and make us even better.”

According to the press release, the committee’s goal will be to “listen and absorb the goals, ideas, thoughts and opinions of student-athletes, coaches and staff.” After that the committee will work to create a culture and action plan that “strengthens and expands the department’s diversity, equity and inclusion.”

In June, WVU defensive coordinator Vic Koenning was placed on leave after player allegations of mistreatment and racism by the coach. The school and Koenning announced a mutual separation in July.

The committee will be made up of 15 members, a mix of coaches, staff and student-athletes. The 15-member first-year committee members will be:

Chair

Tangela Cheatham – Director of student-athlete enhancement

Coaches

Jason Butts – Head coach, Gymnastics

Nikki Izzo-Brown – Head coach, Women’s soccer

Larry Harrison – Assistant, Men’s basketball

Shelly-Ann Gallimore – Assistant, Track

Rafael Horton – Assistant head coach for football strength and conditioning

Staff

Simon Dover – Senior associate athletic director/business operations

Keli Zinn – Deputy director of athletics

Dr. Dayna Charbonneau – Director of clinical and sports psychology

Ayana Dunning – Assistant director of women’s basketball operations

Jamie Hall – Assistant athletic director/donor relations)

Student-Athletes

Audrey Adams – Volleyball

Kayza Massey – Women’s soccer

Alonzo Addae – Football

Jordan McCabe – Men’s Basketball