The Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute is a two-year leadership development program designed to help administrators strategically map and plan their careers in college athletics. The experience includes two in-person, weeklong sessions and continued learning and connection across the program years.

Why participate?

• Clarify career goals, values and leadership approach
• Build practical skills through applied learning and case-based work
• Strengthen your professional network through a cohort model and alumni community
• Gain tools and feedback to support long-term career growth in college athletics

What you’ll learn

Participants engage with consultants, speakers and peers to develop knowledge and skills across key areas of athletics leadership and administration, including:

• Strategic planning and decision-making
• Budget management and resource allocation
• Fundraising and external relations
• Compliance and risk awareness
• Human resources, performance management and organizational leadership
• Student-athlete health, welfare and related initiatives

Program structure

Year One

First-year participants begin with a week of focused learning designed to explore career aspirations and build foundational leadership skills. The experience emphasizes self-awareness, confidence and values-based decision-making through guided exercises and discussion.

Participants also complete an intensive, team-based budget activity and present strategic recommendations, strengthening practical problem-solving and communication skills.

Year Two

In the second year, participants reconvene with their cohort to continue goal-setting and peer feedback while expanding their learning in student-athlete health and welfare. The experience includes an intensive case study focused on collaboration, effective communication and capital campaign development.

Year Two also centers on personality and leadership assessments with consultant-guided interpretation and tangible applications for continued development. The program concludes with a recognition ceremony and entry into the Leadership Institute alumni network.

Eligibility

Applicants must be full-time employees at an NCAA member school or conference office and have a minimum of three years of combined administrative and/or coaching experience within college athletics.

Preference is given to applicants who meet as many of the following qualifications as possible:

• Serve in a mid- to senior-level leadership capacity at the associate level or above (consideration is given to varying organizational structures)
• Have experience in staff supervision, sport oversight, development, budget management, coaching, internal operations or external operations
• Have the ability to contribute to and advise unit leaders and/or executive staff within the athletics department and at the national level
• Have varied college athletics experience and demonstrated leadership in a current role or professional association, or have completed a professional leadership program (e.g., Women Leaders in Sports, NACDA, MOAA)
• Demonstrate skills and experience in at least two of the following areas:
  • University, conference and NCAA administration
  • Strategic planning
  • Budget management
  • Fundraising
  • University and NCAA compliance
  • Student-athlete welfare issues and initiatives
  • Human resources and performance management within an organization

Due to the intensive nature of the program, a letter of recommendation from a current supervisor or director of athletics is required as part of the application process.

Cost

The NCAA will arrange for and cover hotel accommodations, meals and program materials during the program. Attendees are responsible for airfare to and from the program, along with expenses incurred during travel.