Decoding DEI: Leading by example
How Tangela Cheatham is paving the way for diversity in athletics
Tangela Cheatham, the deputy athletic director for administration, has long been driven by a passion for helping student-athletes thrive beyond the game. At Central Michigan University, she serves on the department’s leadership team and oversees the student-athletes and institutional support services.
With a background in student-athlete development, she helps them navigate campus life.
“I came here because of the opportunity to do that from an administrative standpoint,” Cheatham said.
Cheatham was interested in leading student-atheletes and finding ways to move the industry forward from a higher education standpoint.
The Michigan native graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s of business administration and arts, so the chance to return back to her home state was no question. After being recruited from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Cheatham brought with her knowledge and determination to make a difference here.
After undergrad, she spent her time at the University of Oklahoma completing her masters in higher education. This prompted her love for the growth of student-athlete experience.
Starting as a life skills academic coordinator, she quickly realized her calling was more about having a direct impact on not just the athletes, but the coaches and staff.
“I am working directly with our athletics director,” Cheatham said. “I am working with people who are in decision-making roles; meeting with our president to help make things happen for our student-athletes, for our coaches and staff.”
Throughout her journey, Cheatham has encountered challenges and moments of doubt, but she never let them drive her away.
“There are these perceptions that go into how you may navigate different spaces,” Cheatham said. “I do think I’ve experienced a number of things that go into how I navigate different conversations.”
Identifying as a Black woman, she understands the weight of her voice on a campus that is predominately white. She highlighted the importance of maintaining confidence and pride in growing and being resourceful.
According to CMU’s 2022 Employee Climate Survey Report, only 79 out of 2,245 staff, faculty and administrators are Black or African-American. Further, when asked the why certain staff or faculty members decided to come to Central, only 10 responses were related to diversity on campus.
When looking at the opportunities that not only Cheatham receives on campus but also students who attend and are considering Central Michigan, she recognizes the efforts that the institution has put in over the years through the events hosted year-round.
One of the first people Cheatham remembers meeting after arriving on campus was Shawna Patterson-Stephens, the vice president of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at CMU. Together, they worked to implement initiatives that would impact the campus community.
“I get on my meetings when I can to work on the diversity symposium,” Cheatham said. “We were even trying to find ways to expand those programs to (athletics) … to get more people involved.”
She continued to admire President Bob Davies’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“I think there’s always work to do, that’s just life,” Cheatham said. “But I do think that the institution strives to be supportive, strives to be inclusive and ... to progress.”
Cheatham emphaized the importance of mentorship and support networks for minority students on campus. To her, “having certain support systems can help not only a student’s career but also their time on campus and ... in life.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere or have anything that I have without the support of people in general,” Cheatham said. “I think you need champions; you also need the support of people who hold the same identities.”
With a vision of creating an inclusive space where voices are heard, Cheatham has remained dedicated to her commitment to fostering a sense of community and belonging.
“We have an obligation to help move forward DEI efforts on this campus,” Cheatham said. “We go out and spread the name of Central Michigan University every time we compete ... and maybe that will lead to more students from different places … providing even more diversity to the institution.”
In Cheatham’s eyes, the journey to completing the diversity, equity and inclusion standards is far from over. There are still strides to be made and voices to be heard. But, she was confident that the path forward would be one of progress and inclusivity.
“Making sure to create spaces and support those spaces while making sure voices are welcomed when they speak up,” Cheatham said. “Listen to those voices and implement initiatives and continue to push those forward.
“Those are the main things Central can do to see people come and retain the people that do come.”
