KALAMAZOO, Mich. -  Fighting for equal opportunities for all and dedicated to creating real change, the Western Michigan University Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has formed a Diversity Task Force to discuss issues of inclusion and diversity on the Western Michigan University campus and throughout the Kalamazoo community.



The WMU Athletics Diversity Task Force is comprised of WMU coaches, WMU Athletic Department staff members, and student-athletes convening behind a developed theme of We Must Unite. 

"I am excited to contribute to the WMU Athletics' Diversity Task Force" said Senior Associate Athletic Director Keanah Smith. "My hope is that we can provide acceptance, education and change for our student-athletes, staff, coaches and community.  And that this work heals some of the frustration and hurt that is prevalent in our country."

Bronco Baseball head coach Billy Gernon said "Being a member of our Diversity Task Force has been a special experience.  It is a privilege to listen to perspectives while sharing ideas with my respected colleagues.  Together we can do great things that will help unite our campus and beyond."

Committed to creating real change, advocating for equality, listening, and providing education and awareness, are just some of the goals behind the effort. 

"It's been a terrific privilege to be included in our Diversity Task Force at WMU, especially in such an important season of change" said WMU Volleyball head coach Colleen Munson. "Our initial discussions have been encouraging, challenging, and a great opportunity for us to listen and learn."  Munson added "I'm hopeful that out of this will come meaningful and effective change for us as individuals, teams, and members of the WMU community."  

Bronco Productions produced a Diversity Task Force video available HERE, highlighting this initiative for inclusion, racial equality, and social justice. "I'm really proud of the work we've accomplished so far" said WMU Women's Gymnastics head coach Penny Jernigan.   "When we came together in June, we were all so broken-hearted by the death of George Floyd.  It was really raw emotionally.  After listening to my African-American co-workers' personal stories of inequity and quite frankly, terror, I knew I wanted to help.  We've continued the dialog, made plans, and shared resources. Now we're beginning the process of executing them."  Jernigan added, "We're all highly motivated to end systemic racism within our athletic department and I'm hopeful that we're going to see some real change."

 WMU Women's Soccer head coach Sammy Boateng is one of eight members of the WMU coaching staff on the Diversity Task Force.  "We have held uncomfortable conversations. But, the meetings have been productive putting together a plan that will open the doors for our student-athletes and staff to educate themselves and provide a safe and inclusive space for all."  Boateng went on to say "We want to give our student-athletes a platform to address racial and social injustices in our society, country, and world.  I am extremely proud to be a part of this effort."

The WMU Athletics Diversity Taskforce includes Track and Field head coach Makiba Batten, Women's Soccer head coach Sammy Boateng, Baseball head coach Billy Gernon, strength & conditioning coach Tim Herrmann, Gymnastics head coach Penny Jernigan, Softball head coach Kathy Leitke, Volleyball head coach Colleen Munson, Senior Associate Athletic Director Keanah Smith, WMU athletics faculty representative Luchara Wallace, Executive Assistant Amy Washington, Women's Basketball assistant coach Cetera Washington, Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services Ashley Williams and Assistant athletic trainer Theresa Chacon.

There are 23 WMU student-athletes also serving on the task force.  They include Drew Devine and Logan Hudson (baseball), Ralph Holley, Christian Singleton, Ra'Sean Davie, Trae Allen, and Sean Tyler (football), Sarah Shirley, Tess Abbott and Stacie Harrison (gymnastics), Jack Randall and Zac Faveri (men's tennis), Emily Koperdak (softball), Taylor Eaton, Kennedy Campeau, and Jasmine McLemore (track and field), Rachel Bontrager, Janell Williams, and Charley Andrews (volleyball), Reilly Jacobson, Kiana Cencula, Taylor Williams, and Lauren Ross  (women's basketball), Hannah Sargent and Victoria Kyriakopoulos (women's soccer),  Taylor Smith and Elizabeth Trupp (women's tennis), and Rebecca McNamee (cross country).

For more information on the We Must Unite initiative visit wmubroncos.com or CLICK HERE.