GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro Athletics Department adjusted a series of administrative titles to staff members recently, highlighted by Kristin Rusboldt being named the Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Support Services and Diversity & Intercultural Engagement.
In addition to her current role of serving student-athletes and supporting their well-being using a holistic approach and meaningful programming, Rusboldt will enhance UNCG’s commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive organization through education and action.
“Kristin has always been a passionate and intentional champion of diversity and inclusion,” UNCG Director of Athletics Kim Record said. “Inclusive excellence is a critically important guiding principle for our program. She’s an inclusive leader with a positive attitude. I am confident she’ll use the terrific relationships she’s built across campus to engage our department in creating transformational action steps.”
She will work with department and campus staff as well as student-athletes to help assess, evaluate, and implement strategies that can measure the progress toward UNCG athletics strategic priority of Culture & Community, which includes developing educational programs for staff and student-athletes regarding diversity, equity and social justice.
Rusboldt will be responsible for ongoing staff education and helping to provide an inclusive culture within the student-athlete community through intentional conversations and meaningful programming.
During her time at UNCG, Rusboldt has been a catalyst for positive change.
“I am honored and excited to build on what we have established through our strategic plan,” Rusboldt said. “UNCG is a special place because of the diverse atmosphere it promotes on a daily basis. Focusing our efforts to continue to support the student-athlete experience is always my number one priority.
“Listening to our Black student-athletes and staff and creating meaningful dialogue, continual education and opportunities for growth are at the top of my priority list. Moving forward we will continue to create ways to inclusively enhance the holistic experience for all student-athletes of color, LGBTQIA+, Laxtinx & minority student-athletes, as well as allyship groups through the lens of diversity and inclusion.”
She has served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Spartan Academic Support Services at UNCG since fall 2016. Rusboldt has oversight of the Academic and Student-Athlete Development success.
Under her guidance, the UNCG student-athletes have earned numerous record-setting GPA semesters and participate in a comprehensive holistic development program called The Spartan Shield.
“After spending the last four years building and growing the foundation for student success, we felt that our area focuses on finding and developing champions in all avenues of life, not just academically,” Rusboldt said. “This now aligns with our overall student-athlete development programming within The Spartan Shield framework.”
In addition to Rusboldt, Jody Smith was elevated to Executive Associate Athletics Director & Senior Woman Administrator. The following staff members added Senior Associate Athletic Directors to their titles: Eric Burns (Business Operations) and Jennifer Aguilar (Internal Operations).
Jay McCloy was elevated to Associate Athletics Director for Health and Sports Performance. Kiara Porter was promoted to Director of Business Services. Michael Ream joined the athletic communications staff as the Social Media Coordinator.