CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today the individual award winners for achievements in impact & excellence with the 1-MAC Administrator and Student-Athlete awards. The 1-MAC award is presented to those that have shown tremendous impact & excellence in inclusion efforts.
 
Tia Jameson, Assistant AD of Student-Athlete Development at Ohio University was named winner of the 2024-25 1-MAC Administrator Award, while Western Michigan football senior student-athlete Tyson Lee was named winner of the 2024-25 1-MAC Student-Athlete Award.
 
"It is an honor to recognize Ohio’s Tia Jameson and Western Michigan’s Tyson Lee for their outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing excellence and fostering inclusive programs at their respective institutions,” said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher.
 
Under Jameson’s leadership, Ohio University has become a champion for student-athlete development, opportunity 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.
 
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.
 
"My goal is to always advocate for others and stand in the gaps as needed,” said Jameson. “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."
 
Lee has established himself as one of Western Michigan’s most impactful student-athlete leaders, using his platform to champion equity, representation, and mentorship. A member of the Broncos football team, he serves as Co-Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and is an active leader within Black Cultivated Athletes (BCA), where he has consistently advocated for inclusive leadership and student-athlete wellness. His influence extends beyond campus through the Kazoo All-Stars Empowered Mentorship Program, which he helped launch to connect Bronco student-athletes with middle school students in the Kalamazoo community. Through mentorship, workshops, and life skills training, Lee has inspired young athletes while encouraging his peers to embrace their role as leaders and role models.
 
In addition to his mentorship efforts, Lee has represented student-athletes on WMU Athletics’ Senior Staff, shaping department decisions on issues of race, identity, and belonging. He has shared his voice as a panelist in the DEIB-focused Lunch and Learn Series and brought back new ideas from the Black Student-Athlete Summit to strengthen WMU’s culture of inclusion. Lee’s openness in conversations about mental health, particularly for Black men in athletics, has further demonstrated his authenticity and commitment to creating spaces where all student-athletes feel seen, heard, and supported.
 
“Tyson Lee has been a student-athlete leader from the time he arrived on our campus,” said Western Michigan VP/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae. “His warm and engaging personality is matched by a leadership standard that elevates the people around him and brings out the best in all of our student-athletes and programs.  His tireless efforts have made our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee the gold standard in our league and his efforts in the community are a huge reason why the Fiesta Bowl named WMU as a top 3 program for service impact.  I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award, and we are proud to call him a Bronco!”
 
In November of 2016, the MAC announced one of the most comprehensive Inclusion 1-MAC Programs in Division I intercollegiate athletics to begin during the 2017-18 academic year.
 
The MAC Inclusion 1-MAC 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 community enhancement in order to provide better support to our young adults.