University of Missouri Selected For 2015 NCAA Innovations Grant
2/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | General
The NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice Grant Program funds research aimed at benefitting college athletes' psychological well-being and mental health. Mizzou's winning project was selected from a field of 94 applications, and focuses on leadership development among Black male student-athletes.
This particular study's findings would be used to help Mizzou Athletics identify programmatic gaps, opportunities, and best practices that can be implemented and shared with other NCAA and professional athletic institutions.
Three individuals paved the way for MU's award winning research. They are Ty-Ron Douglas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis; Kim Lambert, Mizzou Athletics Associate Athletic Director; and Pat Ivey, Ph.D., Mizzou Athletics Associate Athletics Director.
Douglas, MU's lead researcher on the project, is honored to receive the award and looks forward to the future opportunities and success of Black males inside Mizzou Athletics.
"For me, winning this award is one step towards a larger vision for the healthy development of Black males at Mizzou," Douglas said. "I want Mizzou Athletics to be the `first and best' when it comes to nurturing responsible, balanced, and productive men on and off the field. For this to occur, we must better understand the journeys and experiences of our Black males, and this study is a vital part of that process."
Lambert also played a critical role in the team's research, and foresees positive growth in the future with the help of the NCAA Innovations Grant.
"It's an honor to receive this award and collaborate with Dr. Ty-Ron Douglas and Dr. Ivey on this research," Lambert said. "This is a huge step for Mizzou to continue our work in the areas of social responsibility and leadership programming. I'm excited to learn more about our Black male student-athletes, and as a result, provide more meaningful experiences and enhance the educational environment for all of our students."
As a former Black male student-athlete at Mizzou himself, Ivey is proud to receive an award of this manner.
"Dr. Ty-Ron Douglas and Kim Lambert are two of the most passionate colleagues anyone could be associated with," Ivey said. "The NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice Grant Program funds will allow us at Mizzou to support our Black male student-athletes in a way that is consistent with our core values. As a former student-athlete at Mizzou, I'm proud that we've been selected as a recipient of this award."
Other winning research groups included Monmouth University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Springfield College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and University of Virginia.
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