Rob Knox is continuing to leave a legacy everywhere he goes.

The Lincoln University alum, Hall of Famer and former Sports Information Director was recently recognized by the NCAA, along with another individual, as a Champion of Diversity and Inclusion for their work in supporting ethnic minorities and other underrepresented groups and individuals.

"With dedication and intentionality, our honorees have initiated innovative approaches to creating diversity, ensuring equity, and fostering inclusion through education, mentoring and advocacy in their respective industries," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. "Their applications highlighted examples of their individual contributions toward inclusive excellence by means of service, leadership and education."

"As our country continues to define itself, so does our Association and membership," said Marquetta Dickens, chair of MOIC and women's basketball coach at William Peace. The NCAA has made clear that DEI is an important area of focus, and we are extremely happy to highlight some of those doing the work in their individual roles. We hope that their honor encourages them and others to keep the fight for equity and inclusion on their respective campuses and beyond."

Created in 2015, the honor recognizes those with a commitment to advocating for and advancing others in inclusive efforts around athletics.

"It's a humbling honor to be recognized by the NCAA as a Champion of Diversity and Inclusion," said Knox. "I am still in awe. Mentoring ethnic minorities, making an impact and supporting women sports, especially the WNBA has always been a passion of mine. So to earn national recognition for doing the right thing, and is a core value for me, has me speechless.

"I am thankful that many of my mentees have trusted me and they are as must a part of this award as I am," Knox continued.

Knox recently left the realm of college athletics to take assume the position of senior director of communications at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Prior to leaving college athletics, Knox became synonymous with success, greatness and diversity. He served as the BC-SIDA (Black College Sports Information Directors of America) President for three years, and eventually became the third ethnic minority and second African-American president in CoSIDA history. His presence in the CoSIDA Presidential rotation led to another history-making moment this past year as Jessica Poole was named CoSIDA President, becoming the first African-American female to assume the top leadership role in the national organization.

Knox is a Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) board member, who also serves as the co-chair of the external relations committee and volunteers with the Advancement of Blacks In Sports (ABIS) as the director of communications. He is also an active member of Women Leaders and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). He is a voting member of the Lisa Leslie Award committee, which selects the top center in NCAA women's basketball.

During his five-year tenure as the SID at Lincoln, he won two CoSIDA writing awards, and promoted the return of Lincoln University football after a 48-year absence, the 2005 NCAA Division III Track and Field Championship, and a Division III National Player of the Year. Lincoln also had five student-athletes featured in Sports Illustrated.

The Chester native, where he is also in the Chester High School Athletic Hall of Fame, graduated from the distinguished NCAA Leadership Institute and completed the NCAA's Effective Facilitation Workshop training.

As if his work championing diversity was enough, Knox co-authored an article in "The Journal of Clinical Sports Psychology", titled I Would Not Trade If for the World: Black Women Student-Athletes, Activism and Allyship.