PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Jennifer Hunter has been named Brown Athletics’ first-ever associate director of athletics for diversity and inclusion initiatives. She will begin her new position on College Hill on August 30.
“Jennifer rose to the top of a very strong pool of candidates,” said Eric Estes, Brown’s vice president for campus life and student services at Brown University who was co-chair of the search committee. “She brings a wide range of experience from big-picture strategic thinking and planning to day-to-day support of students and staff. She also understands how athletics and inclusive community support the core academic mission. We are thrilled that she will be joining the Brown community.”
Guided by Brown Athletics’ departmental diversity and inclusion action plan, Hunter will lead the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion programs and workshops; advise on best practices related to searching, hiring, onboarding and retention of staff; and support student athletes, staff and coaches on community building.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Jennifer Hunter to our leadership team at Brown,” said Jack Hayes, Brown’s director of athletics. “In her role, Jennifer will enable Brown Athletics to distinguish itself as a department that values community and supports an inclusive environment for all student-athletes and staff.”
Hunter brings a rich professional background of athletics, higher education, secondary education and business development.
Before Brown, Hunter was director of diversity, inclusion and engagement at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. In addition to overseeing diversity and inclusion initiatives for the division, she provided senior administration with leadership, guidance and counseling on internal and external issues and concerns. Hunter was responsible for the overall development and implementation of the division’s diversity strategic plan, including alignment with the university’s overall diversity strategic vision and planning.
During her time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Hunter developed inclusive and culturally responsible strategies for recruiting and retaining staff and coaches. As the primary liaison to campus groups and committees focused on diversity and inclusion, she developed programming for student-athlete affinity groups and ally inclusion groups and built community through town halls and listening sessions.
“I've been fortunate to work at some great institutions and experienced the power of when both campus and athletics create strong partnerships,” Hunter said. “Aside from the opportunity to be a part of an amazing and historically progressive institution, I really see this as a great opportunity to enhance the Brown student-athlete campus experience and to increase the engagement with athletics and the overall student-body population.”
Prior to her role at University of Wisconsin, Hunter worked as an academic specialist and academic coordinator at the University of California-Berkeley, where she administered the academic support program for the men's and women's basketball programs for two years. She spearheaded the revision of the men's basketball academic and student development program helping the team earn Cal's Most Improved Team GPA award. In her role, she devised individualized learning plans and strategies to assist the student-athletes during their matriculation. She also oversaw the faculty engagement and outreach program between athletics and campus.
Hunter also spent two years working in the New Orleans public schools as an English instructor and academic advisor, and worked in event management and marketing with the NBA and Houston Rockets/Comets. A 2007 graduate of Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and sports management, Hunter earned a J.D. from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2010.