PLANO, Texas – Seventeen individuals from various organizations have been selected to attend the 2021 Annual LEARFIELD EDGE (Empowering Diversity Growth & Equity) Academy, held in partnership with the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA).
Considered to be a one-of-a-kind event, this year’s virtual-based Academy is designed to foster minority growth and development in the collegiate multimedia, technology systems and sponsorship sector. The EDGE Academy Selection Committee, comprised of members from LEARFIELD and MOAA, closely reviewed applicants in determining the final selection of the following 17 individuals:
| Sebastian Bush | The City College of New York |
| Raven Campbell | Louisiana State University |
| Cam Fenton | Texas Christian University |
| Alisha Filmore | University of North Texas |
| Alvin Franklin | Mississippi State University |
| LeRoy Gardner | University of the Ozarks |
| William Gordon | Arlington Independent School District |
| Darryl Jacobs | RISING Coaches |
| Chad Jones-Hicks | University of Missouri-Columbia |
| Murray Littlepage | Temple University |
| Cortney Moore | University of Washington |
| Uzooma Okeke | OSports Marketing |
| Donovan Robertson | Kent State University |
| Justin Robinson | Maryville University |
| Davine Snead | Bowie State University |
| Darius Strickland | Georgia Tech Athletic Association |
| Ralan Wardlaw | University of Maryland Eastern Shore |
“The LEARFIELD EDGE (formally the Minority Academy) has become a model for other organizations to emulate,” said MOAA Executive Director Stan Johnson. “In its sixth year, it continues to provide a learning experience that will assist these talented individuals with their professional and personal growth. Additionally, LEARFIELD’s commitment to the Academy shows their continued leadership in fostering minority enhancement and development in the college multimedia, technology systems and sponsorship landscape.”
This year’s virtual Academy will be led by LEARFIELD corporate personnel and feature sessions dedicated to building personal branding, and enhancing skills in sales, marketing and software engineering. There will also be an optional opportunity for onsite staff shadowing at LEARFIELD partner collegiate institutions and affiliated companies.
“We’ve had tremendous feedback regarding the value of the programming offered throughout, not only from our attendees every year, but from our university partners as well,” said LEARFIELD’s newly appointed Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Ian Moses. He has played a pivotal role in developing this year’s Academy’s creation and vision. “We are honored to work with MOAA on the Academy, and we’re pleased to welcome these 17 individuals.”
About the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association:
In partnership with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association promotes equitable employment opportunities for minorities in the athletics industry through the exchange of ideas, the creation of networking opportunities, and the avocation of an increase in employment for minorities in athletics administration positions at all levels of the sports industry. The association also promotes cultivating a sports environment that supports the values necessary to accept aspiring professionals from all walks of life.
About LEARFIELD:
LEARFIELD is a leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services includes licensing and multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics; ticketing, ticket sales and professional concessions expertise; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.