Blanford named Director of Inclusion
October 29, 2018 | General News
Former Inclusion and Engagement Coordinator also selected as Women Leader in College Sports 2018 Rising Star Award winner
"We are ecstatic to have someone of Sheridan's skill and experience take on this director role within UW Athletics," Tiedt said. "Her strong ability to develop programming and lead others will serve to enhance the growth and impact of our inclusion efforts."
In her new role, Blanford will assess and lead the current Division of Intercollegiate Athletics programming, initiatives, policies, and procedures regarding diversity issues that will facilitate a diverse and inclusive culture across dimensions of diversity for student-athletes, coaches, administration, and campus and community constituents.
She will continue serving as the main facilitator for student-athlete programs and committee work and assisting with the development and sponsoring of specific student-athlete support groups (SAESO – Student-Athletes Equally Supporting Others and the Badger Affinity Groups). Blanford will also encourage and support student-athlete participation in campus, community and athletic programming.
Blanford has attended the Learfield Minority Academy each of the last two years, serving as an alumni ambassador at the 2018 event. Women Leaders in College Sports also selected Blanford as a 2018 Rising Star Award winner. She will receive a scholarship to attend the 2018 Women Leaders National Convention Oct. 14-16 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Prior to joining Wisconsin, Blanford served as the Assistant Director for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. She was the chief strategist in organizing the MIAC's Student-Athlete Leadership Conference at Saint Mary's University, assembling guest speakers and arranging logistics for the event. She also served as the advisor to the MIAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and assisted with the MIAC's strategic planning efforts, with a particular focus on diversity and inclusion goals and initiatives.
