MAC Diversity & Inclusion Initiative:
In November of 2016, the MAC announced one of the most comprehensive Diversity & Inclusion Programs in Division I intercollegiate athletics to begin during the 2017-18 academic year. The MAC Diversity & Inclusion Program has positioned the MAC as a leader within collegiate athletics. Through this program, the MAC is working to expand opportunities for minority candidates in coaching and administration with six specific and coordinated program initiatives.
 
These six initiatives include: establishing a Conference Diversity & Inclusion Statement, the commitment of 25 new annual internships across membership, a collaborative mentoring program, a bi-annual summit, the first of which was hosted by the MAC on Feb. 8, 2018, the creation of a resource webpage and the annual awards platform to recognize one institutional athletic department, individual administrator and student-athlete. The MAC Diversity & Inclusion program provides career educational opportunities for a diverse pool of candidates, career entry and advancement opportunities, consistent support and career mentoring programs for all levels of professionals, and opportunities for collaboration on best hiring practices and cultural enhancements for member institutions.

Diversity & Inclusion Awards:
The MAC Diversity & Inclusion Institutional Award was created following the 2017-18 academic year to recognize one MAC athletic program for its excellence in creating a culture that fosters diversity & inclusion.  The inaugural award was presented to the University at Buffalo on August 30, 2018.  In addition, the MAC Diversity & Inclusion Administrator and Student Athlete Awards were presented to Kathy Twist (Buffalo) and the late Dennis Corbin (Western Michigan) and Buffalo Track & Field student-athlete Devon Patterson on August 31, 2018.
 
Diversity & Inclusion Institutional Award
2023:
2022: Bowling Green State University
2021: University at Buffalo
2020: University at Buffalo
2019: University at Buffalo
2018: University at Buffalo

Diversity & Inclusion Administrator Award:
2023:
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 Micchigan University
2018: Kathy Twist, University at Buffalo and Dennis Corbin, Western Michigan University

Diversity & Inclusion Student-Athlete Award:
2023:
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