University of New Haven, Dell Technologies Collaboration to Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Esports

The affiliation will create a graduate-level course focused on exploring and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in esports, creating new opportunities for students and adding to Dell’s portfolio of global DEI initiatives.

September 7, 2021

The University of New Haven and Dell Technologies, a multinational computer technology company, have announced a new collaboration that will foster educational opportunities in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for students pursuing a career in the esports industry.

As part of the relationship, the University and Dell will create new course content, including material for remote learning. With support from University faculty, Dell will teach “Leading Organizational Change in Esports: Diversity and Inclusion within the Esports Program,” one of the key courses in the University’s graduate program in esports business that will officially launch during the Spring 2022 semester.

Jason Chung, B.C.L., LL.B., executive director of esport business programs and an assistant professor in the University’s Sport Management Department, worked with Dell to establish the affiliation with Dell and serves as program director.

“DEI themes aren’t simply a checklist – they need to be deeply ingrained," said Prof. Chung, an attorney who is an expert on the intersection of sports, health, and technology.

"This affiliation will be academic and practical, and I hope it furthers the University’s mission and values."Prof. Chung

‘Building an esports university where all are welcome’

The University also plans to collaborate with Dell to develop complementary DEI programs and materials for middle and high school students, as well as post-secondary students. Dell, a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and technology, is committed to fostering educational opportunities through esports and gaming.

“We’re honored to work with the University of New Haven to offer a course focused on the important topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a part of their groundbreaking online esports business master’s degree program,” said Danielle Rourke, senior higher education strategist for Dell. “The thought and awareness that the University is putting into offering a holistic program sets the bar for other institutions that want to provide relevant and important real-world skills. We know there is plenty of room in esports for all genders, races, backgrounds, and orientations – and educational programs like this one are essential for building an esports universe where all are welcome.”

As part of the course, students will learn the importance of DEI as both a moral and business imperative through case studies, collaborative projects, and hands-on experiences. The University has similar academic collaborations with major esports and gaming entities such as Twitch and HyperX.

“This affiliation will provide our esports students with direct interaction on DEI issues in the industry,” said Brian Kench, Ph.D., dean of the University’s Pompea College of Business. “The University and Dell will work together on DEI to bring in new competitors, audiences, and partners to the esports and gaming industry, thereby furthering the University’s mission to be a recognized source of DEI thought leadership.”

Adds Prof. Chung, “This collaboration is validation of what we are already doing at the University. It is important to provide students with practical and purposeful education, and this is also true for Dell. It is validation of their programs, approach, and focus on experiential education.”

“It is critical that diversity, equity, and inclusion education be interwoven across all of our programs,” explains Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Ed.D., dean of students, who oversees the University’s diversity initiatives. “This is a terrific opportunity for our students to work with a leading company and to contribute our experience and expertise in building programs that prepare our students to excel in and become leaders of the diverse workforce of the future.”