On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, the HBCU Golf Consortium launched with an interactive and informative day at Alabama State University, in Montgomery. There, 15 golf company reps visited the ASU campus to meet, greet, and share internship/job opportunities with students and faculty members. President Quinton Ross and his leadership team embraced the concept and were present throughout.
The ASU visit included a Welcome Reception hosted by Dr. Ross and his leadership team on the evening of 8/14. August 15th highlights were a jam-packed press conference, info related to career services from 15 golf industry representatives, golf simulator play, and limited space outdoor golf activities. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) brought and operated a drone on-premises to demonstrate and speak to how modern technology interfaces with the business of golf. Thus far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, validating that the initiative is needed. We are off to a great start, with the potential to really make a difference going forward.
The HBCU Golf Consortium is a major pillar for the Make Golf Your Thing (MGYT) diversity, equity, and inclusion movement. MGYT is a robust industry collaboration involving 89 golf companies, each dedicated to increasing DEI in the game, business, and career opportunities.
Discussions on the HBCU/MGYT topic began in June 2022, when Craig Kirby learned that his longtime friend, Dr. Dietra Trent had recently been appointed Executive Director for the White House Initiative on HBCUs. He invited me to join the two of them on a virtual call.
[Note: Dr. Dietra Trent will be the keynote speaker at the African American Golf Expo & Forum awards luncheon August 22, 2023, in Louisville KY.]
Shortly afterwards, a series of virtual calls ensued. Dr. Trent reached out to HBCU Presidents. Kirby and I rallied our team, which included Jim Beatty, LaJean Gould, and Mark Lowry. From there, we connected virtually with Jay Monahan (PGA TOUR), Mollie Samaan (LPGA), Mike Whan (USGA), and Seth Waugh (PGA of America). To help streamline communications, Kirby and I were asked to serve as direct liaisons. Craig Kirby the liaison to Dr. Trent and me to the Commissioners.
By December 2022, we had participated in three virtual calls with Dr. Trent, the Commissioners, and HBCU Presidents (representing 10 academic institutions). All agreed to promote the “business of golf” through MGYT. Plus, we agreed to visit HBCU campuses to inform and communicate the information, while building trusted relationships with HBCU students and faculty leadership.
The primary goals are two-fold. One, to introduce HBCU students to unique opportunities across the golf industry, no matter their playing experience or concentration of study. Two, to help introduce golf sponsors to the great work that occurs daily on HBCU campuses.
Ultimately, everyone wants golf to have a larger footprint on HBCU campuses. But to accomplish that, we needed to heighten awareness of the multitude of economic opportunities and available options to faculty leadership and students, golfers, and non-golfers alike.
To increase greater awareness on the topic to the assembled HBCU leaders, we invited them to join our Diversity Roundtable session at the upcoming PGA Show, January 2023 in Orlando. Dr. Trent accepted our offer, as did several of the HBCU Presidents.
Dr. Trent and the HBCU Presidents were astounded by the presentations and exhibits at the PGA Show. Their enthusiasm breathed life into the newfound initiative and things began moving quickly. Together with the Commissioners, we agreed to launch the HBCU Golf Consortium, fall semester 2023, with the following 10 schools:
- Alabama State University
- Benedict College
- Bennett College
- Bethune Cookman College
- Delaware State University
- Florida A&M University
- Paul Quinn College
- Texas Southern University
- University of Maryland Eastern Shores
- Virginia State University
The August 15, 2023, “Swing into Success” launch at Alabama State University was the first activation for the HBCU Golf Consortium. Based on its success there will be many more! Our working group (now) has grown to include DEI officers and recruitment team members from a variety of golf industry organizations. We are planning a follow-up meeting to help shape and mold future activations.
Meanwhile, we’ve received numerous inquiries from other HBCUs, along with potential volunteers. We sincerely appreciate the willingness from everyone to lean-in and support this movement. But for now, we are unable to take advantage of these offers until further notice. Please stay tuned to the African American Golfer’s Digest for future updates. Coop
Dr. Michael Cooper is a freelance contributor to the African American Golfer’s Digest. Contact him at: mcooper@usga.org.
