Villanova has been awarded the 2025 NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Award for Diversity and Inclusion. The University was named the Division I honoree in recognition of the impact of its UNITAS program in the athletic department.
“The Award for Diversity and Inclusion recognizes and celebrates one school or conference office per division for initiatives, policies and practices that embrace diversity and inclusion across the intercollegiate athletics community” the NCAA press release said. “This can be achieved through community service, professional development, hiring practices or programming activities that enhance opportunities for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences.”
The NCCA and MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion was determined by a selection committee composed of both MOAA members and the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics. Applications for the award were assessed based on the institution’s efforts in leadership, infrastructure, evaluation and assessment, education and collaboration. Villanova shares this honor with Southern Connecticut State University and St. Mary’s College of Maryland, who received the award in the Division II and Division III divisions respectively.
The selection committee specifically highlighted the work of Villanova’s UNITAS program when naming the Division I winner.
Villanova University’s athletics framework, UNITAS, shares its name with one of the University’s three core values. Since its implementation in 2017, the program has worked to promote inclusion within the athletic community for student athletes, coaches and administrators.
UNITAS embodies Villanova’s Augustinian values by creating a space for the athletics community to learn, support one another and celebrate diversity. Supporting seven student-led affinity and allyship groups, the program plays a vital role in cultivating community and belonging for minority groups. Additionally, the program has collaborated with DEI professionals, Villanova’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Meeting of the Minds group, the BIG EAST and other NCAA initiatives.
“UNITAS builds mutual understanding throughout the University by collaborating with Villanovans who are experts in diversity, equity, inclusion, gender empowerment, multiculturalism and mental health” the UNITAS mission statement says. “Villanova Athletics’ number one priority is to graduate complete student-athletes who loved their time at Villanova and remain actively connected to the University as alumni. Through UNITAS, Villanova Athletics is committed to fostering an inclusive, anti-bigotry environment where every member of our community has a voice, and feels respected, valued and safe.”
The arrival of Leashia Lewis in 2021 as the Assistant Athletic Director for DEI and Director of UNITAS and ADID (Athletic Diversity and Inclusion Designee) has enabled the program to expand. Under her leadership, the Villanova Athletics Department has established DEI deputies and officers to uphold initiatives such as improved hiring procedures and climate response patrols. The department has also developed inclusive guidelines outlining practical steps for DEI efforts in athletics.
UNITAS ensures that student-athletes, coaches, and staff have the opportunity to provide live feedback about its initiatives. The program utilizes senior exit surveys, university climate studies and the RISE Perception Survey to evaluate their efforts.
Throughout the year, UNITAS fosters inclusion within Villanova’s athletic teams and departments. Events like Soul Food Sundays allow members of the athletic community to gather and promote fellowship beyond their respective teams. Recent UNITAS initiatives include screening of the “Hesburgh” Documentary, a World Suicide Preventation Day event and Sidelined, an event hosted with StriVe and LEVEL.
Villanova will be honored with this award at the 2025 NCAA Convention, to be held this month in Nashville, Tennessee.
