Jennifer Hunter’s career trajectory has been anything but traditional, particularly as it relates to her work with collegiate sports.
A native of New Orleans, Hunter is a trained lawyer who spent two years working as an English instructor and adviser in her hometown. During her time teaching at the high school level, her interest in college sports only widened.
But after spending time as an academic specialist/academic coordinator at the University of California, Berkeley, where she oversaw the academic support program for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball programs, Hunter was tapped last fall to serve as the new director of diversity and inclusion for the athletics division at the University of Wisconsin (UW).
Indeed, the University of Wisconsin’s decision to house an office of diversity and inclusion for athletics makes it stand out from other colleges and universities.
At a time when many Division I schools have treated diversity as an afterthought — or just one of the many other duties that staffers have to address — Wisconsin’s continued support for an office signals a deeper commitment to the multifaceted issues that student athletes — particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds — face.
In announcing her appointment, Doug Tiedt, senior associate athletic director for student services, hailed Hunter’s skills and experience in intercollegiate sports.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Jennifer’s expertise and passion joining our program,” Tiedt said at the time. “Her perspective and experience will enhance the diversity and inclusion efforts of the athletic department, campus and community.”
