GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNC Greensboro Director of Athletics Kim Record became the latest Division I athletic director to sign the Collegiate Coaching Diversity Pledge (CCDP).
 
The CCDP is an opt-in pledge by Division I athletics directors to include a diverse group of candidates in the finalist pool for head coach vacancies in men’s basketball, women’s basketball and football. A “diverse pool” is defined as a group of finalists that includes at least one candidate from a diverse or traditionally underrepresented background and at least one candidate from a non-diverse background.
 
“It’s important that as leaders, we are intentional about how we approach all senior level position hires which include head coaches,” Record said.
 
The Collegiate Coaching Diversity Pledge is overseen by an independent Board of Advocates that consists of highly respected individuals from higher education and sports. Assisting the Board of Advocates is the Board of Coaches, who is responsible for working directly with their peers in the coaching community to ensure compliance with the procedures of the pledge, acting as an advocate for the pledge, as well as helping evolve the pledge into other areas (such as the hiring of assistant coaches).
 
Spearheaded by Athletic Director U, the CCDP reflects a commitment to ensure equal opportunity in the hiring of head coaches and to address the barriers that have prevented the full participation of underrepresented minority groups. Athletic Director U is an online learning platform that is designed to provide news and action-oriented insights to empower the collegiate athletics community to allow for growth and learning for athletic administrators and coaches.

Furman AD Jason Donnelly and Western Carolina Alex Gary signed the pledge in September.