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My life has been a wonderful journey of exploration and engagement. From an early age I can say that I had the seeds of being an enthusiastic educator and entrepreneur. I have always been a lover of books, hearty discussions, teaching, and finding solutions to challenges. My doctoral (leadership and organizational behavior) studies and experiences have led me to two primary foci: Race & Racism Education and Sports Business. 

Sports business

I founded the Center of Sports Business and Analytics (CSBA), which serves as a platform to educate and connect people in this fast-growing industry. Offerings include the Basketball Analytics Summit, LASER, and consulting. I've spent the past 13 years teaching at UNC in the sports business and entrepreneurship domains, advising incredible students on their life choices and professional pursuits.

In doing this, my goal is to encourage inclusion and racial analysis in hopes of becoming a champion for all persons who want to make the world a better place. I was inducted into the university's highest and oldest honorary society, The Order of the Golden Fleece. It is a blessing, although kind of strange from an equity perspective, that I am the first African-American female coach at the university.

Race & Racism education

I teach in the Gillings School of Global Public Health (a graduate program for Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights). I co-designed and instruct in the popular "Leading for Racial Equity" graduate course that engages students across campus and community leaders.

In 2018, I received the "Salute to Champions" Award from Capitol Broadcasting Company and Deloitte for service work in the community. I am blessed to provide race and racism education to units across campus and beyond. In addition, I serve as a national trainer for the Racial Equity Institute. 

My life goals are pretty simple now: Seek Joy. Fight for Justice. 

Dr. Deborah L. Stroman

Before I came to UNC, I successfully owned a sport marketing and golf event planning company and also enjoyed a 17-year career in financial services. Being a salesperson of intangible products taught me so many skills that were transferable to any career path. I was a 2006 recipient of the State of Maryland’s Top Minority Business Enterprise Award from the Governor’s Office, which recognizes entrepreneurial success in business development, professional affiliation, client satisfaction, and community involvement. I am happy to still work closely with many friends in the basketball and golf world to provide consulting services to sports teams and sport-related organizations including the NCAA member institutions, College Football Playoff National Championship, and the Atlantic Coast Conference. I joined a great group of women to start the Greater Raleigh chapter of Women in Sports and Events too. 

James Baldwin stated, "The paradox of education is precisely this - that as one begins to become conscious, one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated." My interest and passion for the healing of America started at a very early age. Today, with my awareness and understanding of racism in this country, I read, write, discuss, and instruct on the history and manifestations of the racial construct operating in our society. Authentic relationships across color lines must be informed and guided by this very powerful dynamic. Let the truth telling begin! 

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Although my many interests and students at UNC-Chapel Hill and at other Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill universities keep me busy, I am a strong believer in servant leadership and service within your local community. Giving back through my board of director positions with Healthy Girls Save the World, Learn Fresh Education (NBA Math Hoops), and membership in the United Church of Christ helps to ground me. I captained the basketball team at the University of Virginia and was an assistant coach for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. So not surprisingly, basketball remains my first love; I enjoy writing for basketball publications and being a radio personality (WRAL 99.5 FM & WCHL 97.9 FM sports commentator). I stay active and youthful by reading, traveling, playing golf, basketball, and biking.

My life goals are pretty simple now: Seek Joy. Fight for Justice. 

So, do I sleep? Absolutely. Rest and the quieting of the mind is crucial to my work. I am intentional in my strategy and effort to be an agent of change.

Onward!

Deborah L. Stroman Ph.D. CLU

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