PITMAN, N.J. – The NJAC announced its newly-formed Diversity & Inclusion Committee on Thursday. Sam Akinlolu, a sophomore on the TCNJ football team, is one of two student-athletes on the committee.

The NJAC Diversity & Inclusion Committee was established in June by the Board of Athletic Administrators and the NJAC Presidents' Council. It includes selected athletic administrators, campus diversity and inclusion personnel, and student-athletes. The committee will work to educate on matters of diversity & inclusion, and will help steer the conference's initiatives and policies.

"It's a great honor to be part of the NJAC Diversity & Inclusion Committee," said Akinlolu. "This committee not only represents my personal values as an American citizen, but also enables me to revitalize the culture of my close communities and eventually the outer world."

Akinlolu is a sophomore running back for the Lions from Beachwood, N.J. He is a mechanical engineering major. Akinlolu and Imani Thompson of the Montclair State women's soccer team were chosen from a pool of nearly two dozen outstanding applications for the student-athlete positions on the committee.

"I am excited that Sam has stepped up to get involved on the conference level. He is a tremendous young man with great leadership potential, and I know that he is excited and grateful for this opportunity," said TCNJ Executive Director of Athletics Amanda DeMartino. "We are so proud that he will be representing TCNJ and have a voice as a member of the newly-developed NJAC Diversity & Inclusion Committee. I'm looking forward to the work that he and the committee will be tackling."

"Through the NJAC Diversity and Inclusion Committee, I'm positioned to engage in the continuous pursuit of a work/life environment that prioritizes core family values, highlighting diversity and inclusion through every step of the way," Akinlolu said.

Akinlolu has quickly rose to a position of leadership and respect among his peers. Compassionate dialogue on the difficult topics and issues at hand have been his strength, which shined through in the selection process. Akinlolu has been at the lead of the conversations within the Lions' community, taking on a leadership role particularly in team conversations on current events and societal issues.

"Sam is a very straightforward and assertive guy with so much potential to do great things," said TCNJ head football coach Casey Goff. "If you want a guy who will be engaging, voice his opinion, and do so in a conscientious and thoughtful manner, then Sam is a great candidate."