CLEVELAND - The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) has opened applications for its 2026-27 NACMA Mentorship Program, creating more ways for members to build meaningful professional relationships, exchange ideas, expand their networks and learn from colleagues across the collegiate marketing industry.

New this year, NACMA is introducing rolling mentorship pairings, speed mentorship opportunities and additional touchpoints for mentors and mentees along with the one-on-one and cohort pairings it is known for.

"Mentorship is one of the clearest ways NACMA can elevate marketing and advance leaders," said Lauren Belisle, NACMA President and Senior Associate AD of Fan Experience & Sales at Vanderbilt University. "By creating flexible ways for members to learn from one another throughout the year, we are strengthening the network that helps collegiate sports marketers grow, solve challenges and make a greater impact on their campuses."

Members may participate in one or more of the following formats:

• One-on-one mentorship: A traditional pairing focused on individualized guidance, problem-solving and career development.

• Mentorship cohort: One mentor and three to four mentees learning together through shared questions, experiences and peer connection.

• Speed mentorship: Brief, focused conversations with multiple industry professionals offered at points throughout the year.

The deadline for the initial 2026-27 NACMA Mentorship Program application period is Friday, October 30, 2026. Members who miss the initial application deadline will have two more opportunities to join this year through rolling pairings, giving as many members as possible the chance to participate.

Members interested in serving as a mentor, participating as a mentee or doing both should complete the applicable survey. The Personal and Professional Development Committee will facilitate initial pairings after the application period.

• Apply to be a MENTOR here
• Apply to be a MENTEE here

Mentors are expected to:

• Connect with their mentee or cohort at least once per month.

• Encourage open conversation and create a supportive environment for growth.

• Understand participants' goals and professional development needs, and follow up between conversations when helpful.

Mentees are expected to:

• Reach out to schedule a conversation with their mentor at least once per month.

• Come prepared with topics, questions and goals.

• Participate actively and follow through on opportunities to learn and grow.

Mentors and mentees will have an opportunity to connect in person at the 2027 NACMA Convention in Orlando, Florida, from June 13-16 for those able to attend.

Participants must be paid 2026-27 NACMA members. To renew, log in at members.nacda.com or email membership@nacda.com.

For program questions, contact Personal and Professional Development Committee Chairs Megan MacLeod at memacle@ilstu.edu and Andy Rowdon at abrowdon@wm.edu, or Nick Strah in the NACDA Office at nstrah@nacda.com.

About NACMA: NACMA provides the tools, training and network for collegiate sports marketers to successfully generate revenue, manage brands, and develop fans. For more information about NACMA, please visit NACMA.com.