UMass Boston Athletics Named NCAA Division III LGBTQ+ Institution of the Year

The athletics department at the University of Massachusetts Boston has been recognized as the 2025 NCAA Division III LGBTQ Institution of the Year, an honor awarded by the NCAA's Division III LGBTQ Working Group during the annual NCAA Convention.

The award recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate sustained leadership in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion, advocacy, and support within Division III athletics programs.

University officials said the recognition reflects a multi-year effort to build a more inclusive athletics culture for student-athletes, coaches, and staff. In a statement announcing the award, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Jacqueline Schuman said the honor represents "intentional work" across the department to create an environment where all athletes feel supported and able to succeed.

UMass Boston has expanded its inclusion infrastructure in recent years. In 2023, the department created a Director of Community Engagement and Inclusive Excellence role to coordinate equity initiatives across teams and campus partners. The athletics program also launched an active Athlete Ally chapter, hosted Pride-themed athletic events, and sent student-athletes and staff to national inclusion programs including the Athlete Ally Activism Summit and the NCAA's Common Ground initiative.

In addition, the department maintains a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee composed of athletes, coaches, and administrators who meet regularly to identify challenges and advance policy improvements. University officials also highlighted implicit-bias training and campus partnerships designed to strengthen inclusive hiring and team culture.

The NCAA's Division III LGBTQ of the Year awards program honors both institutions and individuals who demonstrate leadership in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion within intercollegiate athletics. This year's coach honoree was Mitchell McPartland of the University of Chicago.

The university announcement detailing the award was reported by Crystal Valencia for UMass Boston News.