Penn State Altoona Chancellor Dr. Ron Darbeau has been appointed as a member to the NCAA Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity. 

"I am honored to serve in this role. As a black immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, serving in Higher Ed leadership for 25 years, I recognize and understand keenly the value of diversity in all its glorious forms." stated Dr. Darbeau.

The Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity was established to review, endorse and make recommendations regarding diversity and inclusion matters that impact the Association. The committee's charge is to review and react to recommendations from the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics and the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee; receive information and explanations of Association-wide activities, review and react to topics referred to it by the Board of Governors; and provide comment to the Board of Governors on Association-wide matters of interest.

"The AMCC has an established commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within and among our member institutions," said Commissioner Donna Ledwin.  "Dr. Darbeau is uniquely qualified to serve on this committee.  We are grateful for his willingness to step up and represent not just our conference but the best interests of all student-athletes, coaches and staff across all three divisions."

"I am committed to promoting space for student-athletes of difference to express this inherent part of themselves in the lanes, on the courts and fields so they are their fullest selves on our campuses," stated Chancellor Darbeau. "Because practicing with and competing against others who identify differently, enriches us and challenges us all to see the simple, fundamental truth that we are far more alike than we are different, and, just as importantly, that diversity makes us stronger."

The term of service on the committee will begin September 01, 2023, and continue through August 31, 2026.