HACKENSACK, N.J. - Following a values assessment that led to the formation of FDU Athletics' core values of "Integrity, Pride, Resilience, Respect and Unity," the Knights' staff underwent training conducted by leading DEI firm Return on Inclusion (ROI) and as a result, FDU's executive staff attained Certified Inclusive Leader status.

Reorganized in the summer of 2021, FDU's executive staff is led by Director of Athletics Bradford Hurlbut, now in his fourth full academic year on the Hackensack, Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator Cathy Liggett, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance Jennifer Quirk and Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs Jason Young.

"Respect and Unity are at the core of our values as Knights and ROI's Inclusive Leader program helped our coaches, staff and executive team understand creating an inclusive environment for all," remarked Hurlbut. "We're incredibly proud of the progress we've made as a Department in the DEI space and understand there's always room to foster a further equitable, just and respectful academic, athletic and social experience for all. It is truly a privilege for us to be situated in such a diverse area with student-athletes from nearly every corner of the United States and further, the globe. Having these different cultures, perspectives and incredible individuals as part of our Knights family only makes us stronger and is most certainly a factor in our success."

The first institution in the nine-member Northeast Conference to partner with ROI, FDU began the Inclusive Leader Program in December 2021 with administrators, coaches and staff participating in the online coursework and video conferencing workshops and conversations. The Inclusive Leader Program consists of six modules, including self-reflection exercises, facilitator-led videos, case studies, best practices, knowledge retention quizzes and discussion guides for group participation. Throughout the modules, coaches and administrators have the opportunity to experience personal and professional growth both individually and collectively.

A four-year letterwinner on the Knights' women's basketball team, ROI founder Nevin Caple has led the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging charge in the collegiate athletics landscape, becoming a national thought leader and now serves as part of the NEC's Speaker Series on member campuses.

To learn more about FDU's partnership with Return on Inclusion, please click here or the link above. For information on Return On Inclusion, please click here.

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