The program prepared the Texas Tech alum to serve student-athletes at his alma mater
Quintin Jordan never dreamed of working in the NCAA’s Eligibility Center. In fact, going into his interview for the Association’s Postgraduate Internship Program in 2012, the position in the Eligibility Center was last on his list.
Then he met Susan Peal. He felt a connection with the then-director of governance and policy that moved him to slot her department above his original dream of working in basketball championships.
Over a decade later, Jordan still texts Peal on birthdays and holidays.
“Anytime I’m making a shift in my career, she’s one of the people that I reach out to just to say, ‘Hey, what do you think about this?’” Jordan said. “She’s always been a mentor to me.”
He accepted the Eligibility Center position in the 2012-13 cohort of the internship program. He spent a year at the national office in Indianapolis memorizing NCAA bylaws, contributing to public calls and building lifelong relationships.
“I really feel like God put me in an opportunity to be with the Eligibility Center, and it’s still paying off in my career today,” he said.
Jordan returned to his alma mater in 2022 and now serves as the assistant general manager of operations and revenue share management for Texas Tech football. He uses the knowledge he gained at the NCAA to do two things: serve student-athletes and position the Red Raiders at the forefront of college football.
Managing initial eligibility, Jordan helps each Red Raider football student-athlete get admitted to the university.
“Everybody in the building will say, ‘Hey, Q’s the guy that helps guys get into school,’” Jordan said.
Before returning to Texas Tech, he served as associate director of sport services at Conference USA and in a variety of roles with Baylor football. His experience at the national, conference and university levels give him a nuanced understanding of the history and interpretations of NCAA policies. He works to spot ways to get prospective student-athletes on campus a semester early.
“It’s a unique role because you really don’t see an operations or personnel person do that, but I get a chance to do it because that’s my background, that’s my skill set,” Jordan said. “We pride ourselves on being able to (admit student-athletes early) and being ahead of the curve. I think that comes from my background at the NCAA.”
Jordan uses his work helping the Red Raiders academically to take his relationships with student-athletes to the next level.
“When we have our academic meetings, I take a lot of effort in going down my list. If I can highlight somebody for doing well on their tests or doing well on a quiz or doing well on homework, I always try to reach out to them,” Jordan said.
He also helps student-athletes understand the “why” and “how” behind NCAA policies. He wants student-athletes to understand that they don’t just have resources — they have a voice.
During his career, Jordan has managed Baylor’s Student-Athlete Advocacy Committee and has had roles with the NCAA’s Emerging Leaders Seminar and Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. He also is a graduate of the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute.
For Jordan, mentorship is all about that moment when you can help a young person realize their passion.
“When you find your gift, when you find exactly what you’re called to do, I think it impacts the world. I think it’s a calling,” Jordan said. “I think that’s the amazing piece. And then you just sit back and watch (the people you mentor) flourish.”
Just as Peal poured into him, Jordan is committed to giving back to student-athletes and the next generation of leaders in sports. His roots in the Eligibility Center laid the groundwork for a life of making meaningful connections and driving change in college sports.
“I want to see people elevate. I want to see college athletics and sports in general reach new heights. So I think every time I can get in a room and just share a nugget or share wisdom, that’s really where my passion comes in,” Jordan said.
