CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today (Aept. 4) that Tia Jameson, Assistant AD of Student-Athlete Development at Ohio was named winner of the 2024-25 1-MAC Administrator Award. 
 
"It is an honor to recognize Ohio's Tia Jameson and Western Michigan's Tyson Lee for their outstanding leadership and commitment to prioritizing and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion programs at their respective institutions," said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher.
 
Under Jameson's leadership, Ohio University has become a champion for student-athlete development, diversity, and community engagement. As Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development, she has created programs that amplify student-athlete voices, expand leadership opportunities, and foster growth on and off campus. Through her work with the Ohio Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she has elevated student-athlete representation in decision-making and advanced initiatives such as Morgan's Message and Bobcats Lead Change, ensuring that mental health awareness, resilience, and inclusive leadership are central to the student-athlete experience.
 
"My goal is to always advocate for others and stand in the gaps as needed," Jameson said "I strive to empower our student-athletes to use their voice, elevate their platform, and ensure they feel seen, heard, and valued. The students are my WHY and bring me so much joy and sanity. As a two-time alumnus of Ohio and former Track and Field Student-Athlete, I have also been truly invested in seeing that Ohio feels inclusive and safe for all our students and staff"
 
Her impact extends into the Athens community, where she has built partnerships that connect student-athletes with service opportunities rooted in empathy, respect, and equity. She has also led innovative programming—including workshops, panels, and first-year support initiatives—that inspire athletes to explore identity, inclusion, and advocacy. Jameson's efforts have not only educated student-athletes but transformed them into confident leaders and changemakers whose influence will endure well beyond competition.

Western Michigan football senior student-athlete Tyson Lee was named winner of the 2024-25 1-MAC Student-Athlete Award.

In November of 2016, the MAC announced one of the most comprehensive Inclusion Programs in Division I intercollegiate athletics to begin during the 2017-18 academic year.
 
The MAC Inclusion Program has positioned the MAC as a leader within collegiate athletics. This Program has evolved and developed through the years to provide education and training opportunities, leadership development and advancement opportunities for coaches, administrators and student-athletes.
 
The MAC is dedicated to the student-athlete experience and well-being is a top priority.  To continue to promote and strengthen the student-athletes within the MAC, the Conference Office will continue its efforts in inclusion in order to provide better support to our young adults.
 
Diversity & Inclusion Administrator Award:
2025: Tia Jameson, Ohio University
2024: Dan Bartholomae, Western Michigan University
2023: Julian Jones, Western Michigan University
2022: Taylor Jefferson, Bowling Green State University
2021: Jewel Cotton, Central Michigan University
2020: Dr. Chet Hesson, Bowling Green State University
2019: Cristy Freese, Central Michigan University
2018: Kathy Twist, University at Buffalo and Dennis Corbin, Western Michigan University
 
Diversity & Inclusion Student-Athlete Award:
2025: Tyson Lee, Western Michigan University, Football
2024: Taji Johnson, University at Buffalo, Football
2023: Max Michel, University at Buffalo, Football
2022: Kai Caesar, Ohio University, Football
2021 Kamal Adewumi, Ohio University, Wrestling
2020: Priyana Kalita, Miami University, Women's Tennis
2019: Lexi Robinson, Central Michigan University, Track & Field
2018:  Devon Patterson, University at Buffalo, Track & Field
 
#OUohyeah