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National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics

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Current Interns

CLICK HERE to apply for the 2025-26 NACDA Internship
2024-25 Interns:
Mueller
Jakub Mueller

440-788-7480
jmueller@nacda.com

Stover
Sterling Parker

440-788-7479
sparker@nacda.com

Internship Term and Application Process  |  Candidates  |  Work Hours  |  Compensation  |  Supervision  |  Program History

August 2024 - June 2025 | Cleveland, Ohio

NACDA offers up to four (4) internships per year that focus on various events and projects as determined by the various Associations' Board of Directors/Executive Committees. Each intern is assigned to specific Affiliate Associations based on career path interest and previous experiences, giving them the opportunity to work with, and establish relationships with, some of the biggest decision makers in college athletics.
 
In addition to the networking opportunities, NACDA interns enhance and learn a number of skills including internal and external communication, social media strategy, design, writing, customer service, office administration, attention to detail and many others.
 
NACDA interns will be responsible for completing projects and assignments primarily designated by NACDA's Association Managers, as well as athletics administrators in leadership roles within each Affiliate Association. The interns will also work with NACDA's Membership Director to continually update the Association's database and serve the entire membership through renewals and event registrations.
 
The internship program culminates with the NACDA & Affiliates Convention, held annually in June. Throughout the year the interns will assist with the planning and execution of NACDA's largest event.
 
Candidates
The NACDA internship program is specifically designed for individuals who aspire to work in college athletics administration. Candidates have typically completed their bachelor's degree and in some cases a master's degree as well, though an advanced degree is not required. Individuals may utilize the NACDA internship toward college credit as long as their schedule allows them to be present at the office in a full-time capacity.
 
Work Hours
The internship program consists of a standard 40-hour work week in-person at the NACDA National Office located at 24651 Detroit Rd., Westlake, OH 44145.
 
Compensation
NACDA interns receive a bi-weekly stipend. In addition to the stipend, NACDA provides housing for each intern. The intern house is located three miles away from the NACDA office and is fully furnished, including utilities and Internet service.

Supervision
Dana LeRoy is the director and supervisor of the internship program. Each intern, however, will be assigned to specific Associations and will report to the appropriate Association Manager. Close working relationships with all staff members will be developed. Questions regarding the program can be directed to dleroy@nacda.com.

History
Beginning in the fall of 1984, the NACDA internship program has provided opportunities for more than 190 college students and graduates who are aspiring collegiate athletics administrators. NACDA interns hail from all over the United States, as well as a few international students, who commit to the year-long internship.

During the NACDA internship, students are exposed to different aspects involved in the field of athletics administration. This internship serves as a way to increase a student's knowledge of the administrative duties within collegiate athletics by providing practical experience.

There are four former NACDA interns who have served or are currently serving as athletics directors:

  • Lee Reed (NACDA Intern, 1994-95) 
    • Athletics Director, Cleveland State University, 2002-10; 
    • Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Georgetown University, 2010-Present
  • Dawn (Moore) Rogers (NACDA Intern, 1987-88)
    • Athletics Director, Xavier University, 2004-06
  • Kurt Esser (NACDA Intern, 1993)
    • Athletics Director, Seminole State College of Florida, 2016-Present
  • Jude Killy (NACDA Intern, 1996-97)
    • Director of Athletics, University of Maine, 2023-Present

NACDA has employed several former interns including - Chelcie Abajian; Jamie Bouyer; Jason Galaska; Laurie Garrison; Chris Green; Adrien Harraway; Jude Killy; Dana (Ingraham) LeRoy; Melissa (Dukov) Lynch; Courtney (MaGinn) Thies; Pat Manak; Denise (Ladd) Manak; Katie (Newman) Hein; Liz (Zielie) McFarland; Becky Parke; Nick Strah; Lisa Polak; Ryan Virtue and Matt Wolfert. (Italics indicate current employees.)

NACDA All-Time Intern Listing

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