CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today Western Michigan University has claimed the 1-MAC Institution Award. This marks the first time that WMU has earned the Award.
“It is my honor to announce Western Michigan University as the recipient of the 1-MAC Institution Award,” said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. “Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae and the entire athletics administration have demonstrated tremendous leadership in establishing a culture of excellence that fosters access and opportunity.”
Guided by its strategic initiative “Broncos United,” the department has embedded inclusive excellence into every area of the student-athlete and staff experience. This framework emphasizes belonging, support, education, and leadership, ensuring that the values of equity and respect remain central to the department’s mission and long-term success
A cornerstone of this commitment is WMU’s Task Force, a diverse group of coaches, administrators, and student-athletes who drive meaningful educational programming. Through its Lunch & Learn series, the department has engaged its community in open dialogue on pressing social issues, from domestic violence awareness and racial equity to the lived experiences of individuals with invisible disabilities. In addition, WMU’s robust network of student-athlete affinity groups -- including Black Cultivated Athletes (BCA), P.R.I.D.E., the International Athlete Alliance, and Women in Sports Empowerment (WISE) -- continues to thrive, creating spaces of empowerment, advocacy, and support for underrepresented communities.
WMU has also made measurable progress in inclusive hiring practices, ensuring diversity within its leadership and staff, while maintaining strong partnerships across the university and Kalamazoo community. By collaborating with campus offices such as Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Services, and Multicultural Affairs, the department has expanded opportunities for education, service, and engagement.
“The 1-MAC institutional award embodies some of the most central components of our vision - one that aspires to create a welcoming environment for our staff, student-athletes and fans and one that centers on the development of people and communities,” said Western Michigan Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae. “It is humbling and an honor to be recognized by our peers as a leader in the Mid-American Conference.”
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.
1-MAC Institution Award
2025: Western Michigan University
2024: Eastern Michigan University
2023: University at Buffalo
2022: Bowling Green State University
2021: University at Buffalo
2020: University at Buffalo
2019: University at Buffalo
2018: University at Buffalo
