| Title: | Assistant Athletics Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / Sports Information / Head Men's and Women's Track & Field Coach |
| Phone: | 802-635-1384 |
| Phone: | 802-760-8192 |
| Email: | brian.slater@vermontstate.edu |
JOHNSON, VT.-Vermont State UniversityJohnson, and Director of Athletics & Recreation Greg Eckman has announced the hiring of Brian Slater as VTSU-Johnson's new Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion / Sports Information & Head Men's & Women's Track & Field Coach.
Brian Slater is the newly appointed Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion/Sports Information - Head Track Coach at Vermont State University Johnson. A Bronx, NY native, Brian graduated from Keystone College in 2013 with a degree in Sport Recreation & Management while competing in track and field. He currently represents the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation as a national team athlete.
Director of Athletics & Recreation, Greg Eckman, expressed his enthusiasm about Brian's hiring, highlighting Brian's ability to connect meaningfully with various individuals within the Johnson community. Eckman emphasized the importance of this role in partnering with leaders within Johnson, VTSU and the Vermont community to address inclusion and social justice challenges faced by the department, university, and state. Eckman added that Brian's experience as a Division 3 student-athlete equips him with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges within NCAA Division 3 and state universities. He warmly welcomed Brian to the Johnson athletic family.
In his newly created position, Brian will spearhead the development and implementation of strategies to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the NVU-Johnson Athletic Department. He will collaborate closely with the entire Johnson and VTSU community in these efforts. Additionally, Brian will assume leadership of Johnson's Sports Information department and serve as an advisor for the Coalition of Minority Students. Eckman acknowledged Brian's excitement for the Sports Information role and expressed his confidence in Brian's passion for athletics, expressing excitement about the valuable contribution Brian will make to the Athletic Department.
Reflecting on his appointment, Brian stated, "I am honored to be selected for this position. My goal is to create an environment of inclusivity and warmth for all individuals. I am grateful for this opportunity and understand the responsibility that comes with it. Together, as the Vermont State University community, we will address the current social climate and work collaboratively towards finding positive solutions that promote love and acceptance for all. I am also thrilled to contribute to the growth of our athletic department. I would like to extend my gratitude to the selection committee for their welcoming and understanding approach throughout the process."
Statement from Brian Slater's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
My personal objective is to celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusiveness by actively embracing and valuing all individuals. I believe in the power of building healthy relationships and communities that thrive on respect, understanding, and acceptance. In my leadership role, I am committed to developing, assessing, and promoting a comprehensive range of programs and services that foster diversity and cultivate a deeper understanding of differences.
To achieve these goals, I will work diligently to create and maintain opportunities for engagement, education, and athletics that facilitate open and meaningful discussions related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. By providing platforms for dialogue and exploration, we can challenge biases, break down barriers, and foster a greater sense of belonging and unity within our campus community.
Collaboration is at the heart of my approach. I firmly believe that building effective partnerships, both internally and externally, is essential to supporting the evolving needs of students, staff, faculty, and the wider Northern Vermont University community. By forging strong alliances, we can tap into diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, enabling us to develop more inclusive policies, initiatives, and practices.
Additionally, I recognize that our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion extends beyond the boundaries of our campus. It encompasses all the communities in which we live and work. I am dedicated to actively engaging with external stakeholders, organizations, and community leaders to foster a broader understanding of the importance of diversity and to collaborate on initiatives that promote positive change.
Through my role, I aspire to foster a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusion that permeates every aspect of our university. By celebrating our differences, promoting equity, and cultivating an environment where every individual feels valued and heard, we can create a transformative educational experience for all.
I am truly excited about the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and equitable Vermont State University community. Together, let us champion diversity, promote understanding, and create a brighter future for everyone."
Brian's extensive work experience includes:
Professional and College Running Experience:
- 2020 Virgin Islands National Champion in the 100m event
- Competitor in the Millorse Game, Diamond League
- Member of the 10th fastest 4x200 team in the World Relays
- NACAC Qualifier
- 8-time USATF Club Medalist
- Holder of 12 school records at Keystone College
- 6-time Mason Dixon All Conference athlete
- Mason Dixon Conference Champion in the 200m event
- 2-time NCAA Division III National Qualifier
Coaching Experience:
- Coached 13 national qualifiers in NCAA and NAIA
- Guided 8 athletes to qualify for NCAA Division 3 New England Regional events
- Mentored 20 individuals to become Conference Champions
- Led teams to secure 3 Conference team titles
- Holds USTFCCA Track and Field Technical Coaching Certification
- Possesses USATF Level 1 Certification