SALT LAKE CITY-Monday, the University of Utah announced the appointment of Keith Embray as the institution’s first Executive Director of Equity, Diversion and Inclusion Operations. Embray was also named as Associate Athletics Director for EDI and Student Belonging.

Embray, a former defensive end for the Utes and in both the CFL (Las Vegas Posse, 1994; Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 1995-1996) and NFL (San Diego Chargers, 1993; Tennessee Titans, 2000), is currently Penn State’s Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Welfare and Development.

Embray will return to the UofU June 1 and be charged with the responsibility of infusing student belonging and the values of equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the athletics department.

Embray’s appointment was announced by the UofU’s vice president for equity, diversity and inclusion, Mary Ann Villarreal, director of athletics Mark Harlan and deputy athletics director Charmelle Green.

As the athletic department’s lead EDI executive, Embray will collaborate with university leaders to provide strategic leadership and oversight of EDI operations while building team progress and student success.

Embray’s position is the first of its kind at the UofU and one of only a few at top-tier research universities and members of the American Association of Universities.

Embray brings more than 12 years of experience in student-athlete welfare and development and is presently overseeing more than 800 student-athletes in 31 sports at Penn State.

Embray has also worked in comparable capacities at the University of Central Florida and Westminster University of Salt Lake City.

Embray possesses a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Utah and received his MBA from then-Westminster College of Salt Lake City.