Tulsa’s Kevin Harris Named to USRowing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

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Tulsa rowing head coach Kevin Harris was one of 17 people named to the newly formed USRowing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

In creating this standing committee, USRowing's aim is to build an inclusive culture, which benefits from the differences among its constituents. These differences include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, geographic location, religion, language, veteran status, and physical and cognitive abilities.

Harris is in his 19th season as the head coach at The University of Tulsa, taking the helm in 2002, and has steadily built TU towards a stronger position within the rowing world.

During his tenure, Harris' teams have recorded 337 first-place finishes and medaled 815 boats in 163 regattas. He has seen 135 student-athletes receive Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) National Scholar Athlete honors and his team has won TU's Outstanding Team Community Service Award 11 times for their community and campus involvement.

"I am honored to have been chosen to work on the USRA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee," Harris said. "Honestly, it is a large job within a sport that has not paid enough attention to these issues throughout it's history. My personal goal would be to get to a world where it's unnecessary to have this committee, but sadly we have seen through recent events that we aren't there yet. There is strength in knowing who you are and I am looking forward to working with this committee to create a better USRowing that serves its entire membership."

USRowing's goal is to exemplify diversity, equity and inclusion in the sport of rowing at all levels of governance, training, education, and achievement, from local community rowing clubs to the boardroom of USRowing, from learn-to-row sessions on rivers in cities to lakes in rural communities, and to award ceremonies on the Olympic and Paralympic podiums.

The work of the DEI Committee will encompass a broad scope of responsibilities including supporting the USRowing staff and board of directors in developing priorities, recommendations and implementation strategies for all facets of the organization. From reviewing governance processes to coaching curriculum, staff hiring and national team recruitment, the committee will play a key role in leading USRowing forward in all areas.

Tulsa’s Kevin Harris Named to USRowing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

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