Thomas Harris has more than 13 years of experience working in collegiate athletics. Currently, Harris serves as The University of Arizona’s Associate Athletics Director for Diversity, Inclusion and Employee Engagement. In this role, Harris leads the development and implementation of departmental diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies that promote anti-racism, inclusive recruitment and hiring practices, employee engagement and retention, and high-quality leadership and professional development. Harris also Co-Chairs the department’s Inclusive Excellence Council (IEC) which focuses on cultural competency training for staff and developing DEI strategies for the Athletics Strategic Plan. Harris’ comprehensive efforts have resulted in multiple accolades including Arizona Athletics receiving Honorable Mention for the 2021 NCAA/MOAA Award for Diversity. Harris was also selected as the recipient of the 2021 MOAA Charlie Whitcomb Service Award. This national award recognizes and celebrates individuals that foster diversity and inclusion within the intercollegiate athletics community. Outside of his professional role, Harris also serves on the Executive Board for DIECE Athletics, a professional organization that offers consulting services to DEI professionals in sports and provides recommendations for successfully building a culture of inclusive excellence. Harris’ passion for diversity and inclusion was sparked as a first-generation college student at Western Kentucky University (WKU) where he served as the President of the Black Student Alliance, an organization he later advised as a staff member. As a graduate student at WKU, Harris received the President’s Award for Diversity, recognizing a clear demonstration of leadership and achievement in promoting diversity at WKU and in the community.