1-General | 4/14/2021 4:30:00 PM

MIAMI SHORES, FLA. -- Amanda Knight, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator for the Barry University Athletic Department has been named the winner of the Black Excellence Pillar Award.

Every year, Barry University hosts the Black Excellence Awards which allow us to celebrate and recognize the contributions and accomplishments of black individuals throughout campus, as well as, within the local community.  The Pillar Award is for a faculty and/or staff member who has made a priceless investment in the success of Black and African students at Barry University. This person has committed time and effort to ensure that students are achieving academic success and have the foundation needed to be ethical, compassionate citizens after college.

"It is such an honor to be nominated and win the Pillar Award," Knight said. "I am grateful to be able to work in a department that supports programming for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff with education, training, and engagement that will empower them to be change agents on and off the field. I am excited to continue building programs that foster an environment where diversity, equity and inclusion are a priority in everything that we do," Knight added.

Volleyball head coach Steve Hendricks had this to say about Knight's efforts to champion black excellence within the Barry community. "Amanda understands the importance of representation and fosters an environment that is diverse and inclusive," said Hendricks. "Each day Amanda works hard to engage, educate, and empower students in their personal and professional development. She demonstrates an amazing commitment to building and challenging others to be more open minded, engage in critical conversations, and build a better world," added Hendricks.

In addition to Amanda's daily commitment to Barry's students, Amanda is part of the following campus organizations. ARMS Task Force (Athletic Resources for Mental Health Support). This task force works to identify, monitor, and develop action plans to better assist student-athletes with their mental well-being. B.U.C.S. (Building Unity, Community and Solidarity). The mission of B.U.C.S. is to create dialogue and advocate for change surrounding social justice issue. Finally, Amanda is a member of Barry's Anti-Racism and Equity Coalition.