The National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) has issues their reponse from the House Settlement.Â
As college athletics enters a transformative chapter — one that includes direct compensation for student- athletes — the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) reaffirms what has always been our guiding principle: student-athletes belong at the center of every conversation, policy, and decision. Our mission remains unchanged, but the urgency to fulfill it has never been greater.
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The recent House ruling marks a defining moment in the evolution of intercollegiate athletics. We are witnessing the dismantling of long-standing models and the emergence of a new framework that challenges every institution, administrator, and association to reimagine their roles. But amidst the uncertainty, one truth endures — the student-athlete experience and outcomes must not become afterthoughts in the pursuit of progress.
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This is more than a call to adapt; it's a call to lead with purpose. At N4A, we are committed to ensuring that opportunities for academic achievement, career readiness, personal growth, and overall wellness are not only preserved but reengineered to meet the demands of today's Student-Athlete. These young people are not just competitors — they are future leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and professionals.
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Our work must evolve with theirs.
Over the past year, N4A has actively participated in key national conversations to help shape the future of college athletics. We have engaged through our presence and leadership in high-impact events and on national committees — including the Sport Business Journal's Intercollegiate Athletics Summit, the NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four programming, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), The Drake Group, The Knight Commission, the FBS AD Association and the NCAA Committee on Academics. At every table, we carried a singular message: don't lose sight of the mission — to educate, support, and empower student-athletes.
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This evolving model demands inclusive, interdisciplinary collaboration — and N4A is uniquely positioned to lead it. Our members represent the front line professionals who work with student-athletes every day. We understand the nuance. We recognize the complexity. And we are committed to helping student-athletes thrive not only in the classroom, but in life.Â
As the professionalization of college athletics continues, so too must the preparation we offer. That means rethinking how we support branding, financial literacy, contract education, and career development. It also means reaffirming our investment in mental health, identity development, and building life skills that endure far beyond the final whistle. Supporting and empowering student-athletes means supporting the full scope of who they are and who they are becoming.
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The N4A urges our partners across institutions, conferences, and corporate and policy sectors to work with us — to listen to the voices of advisors, mentors, and educators who are closest to the student-athlete experience. Let's build a system that honors their talent, respects their complexity, and equips them to succeed in every arena they step into.
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This is our charge. This is our moment. And N4A is ready.
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Join us.
- Whether you are an administrator, educator, coach, policymaker, or corporate leader, there is a place for you to make a difference.
- Join N4A as a professional member to stay engaged with the latest resources, education, and national conversations supporting student-athletes.Â
- Partner with N4A to sponsor student-athlete development programs, research initiatives, or professional development for advisors and educators.
- Collaborate with N4A on innovative projects and working groups focused on reimagining the student-athlete experience in the new collegiate model.
- Invest in the future by funding scholarships, leadership training, career readiness, and wellness initiatives for student-athletes through N4A.
- Advocate alongside N4A by amplifying our message and supporting policies that center the academic, personal, and professional success of student-athletes.
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Visit https://nacda.com/sports/nfoura to become a member, explore partnership opportunities, or sponsor our initiatives. Let's build the future of college athletics together — one student-athlete at a time.
