Dominant Types of Multiple Intelligences in Oman: Sport Practitioners vs Non-Practitioners

This study examined the underrepresentation of minority fundraisers and diversity related concerns in the NCAA Division-I intercollegiate athletics. In addition, the study sought out the opinions of ten racial or gender minority fundraisers (25% of return rate) about departments’ strategical initiative in expanding donor base and creating giving society through recruitment of diverse fundraising candidates. Each participant (fundraiser) participated in a 45-60 minute phone interview covering one’s background and demographic information, challenges and diversity concerns in the workplace, potential strategies for improving diversity hiring and creation of certain specific giving societies. The results showed that D-I athletics still have room to improve minority hiring. However, factors such as race and gender did not affect these fundraisers’ career advancement much. Participants also expressed that athletic departments need to be intentional with their commitment in diversity and inclusion initiatives. By committing to minority hiring, there could be potential for solving the issue of underrepresentation of marginalized groups in athletic fundraising and diversifying the donor base, thus increasing the overall size of gifts. Keywords: athletic fundraising, collegiate athletics, fundraising officer, philanthropy officer, and athletic donation