INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — New Jersey City University Head Athletic Trainer and Senior Woman Administrator Karla Mejia was selected to be a member of the NCAA's Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee, the organization announced. Days later, Mejia was also selected to attend the 2024 NCAA Division III Inclusive Leaders Facilitator Program in early June at NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis.

Mejia's tenure on the NCAA's Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee will run for four academic years, beginning on Sept. 1, 2024, and continue through the end of August of 2028. As a member of this committee, she will be part of the organization's goal to "champion the causes of ethnic minorities by fostering an inclusive environment, thereby creating a culture that promotes fair and equitable access to opportunities and resources," according the NCAA.org home page for the MOIC.

"I am extremely grateful and blessed to be part of the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee," said Mejia. "As a minority working at a University with students and student-athletes like myself, having this platform and opportunity is very meaningful and significant to me."

NJCU's Director of Athletics, Robert Cole, shared his thoughts on Mejia's recent honors and accolades from the NCAA:

"We are extremely proud of Karla and her continued progression as our Head Athletic Trainer and SWA. With her appointment to the MIOC, as well as her acceptance into the Inclusive Leaders Facilitators Program, Karla will be an advocate and asset for our student-athletes at the national level. We look forward to her continued professional development, as well as experiences such as these to pay both short and long term dividends."

"Additionally, I am humbled by the work of our entire department for creatively exploring every possible avenue to support our mission and our student-athletes. We appreciate the professional organizations and the NCAA for recognizing the value of our leadership team and the vital role they play on our campus."