Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute

For the last 17 years, the Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute has been a staple to close out the NACDA & Affiliates Convention and has assisted many senior-level athletics administrators in their career path to the AD chair. To continue to enhance the pipeline of administrators who are ready to take the next step in becoming an athletics director, in 2024 NACDA announced the Association would be expanding the Mentoring Institute to provide year-round programming for its participants.
The deadline to apply for the 2025 NACDA U Professional Development Grant has passed.
WHAT: The comprehensive Mentoring Institute is available for interested and qualified individuals for a registration fee of $500, however, administrators must apply and be selected to participate through the NACDA U professional development grant. Participants learn the essentials of what it takes to position yourself for the AD role, along with how to manage your department after being selected. For an overview of session topics, you can view the 2024 agendas here: Summer Session \| Fall Session. WHEN: Part One of the Mentoring Institute takes place over two days on the back half of the NACDA & Affiliates Convention. The 2025 Summer Session is scheduled to take place June 11-12, 2025 at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Fla. Part Two is scheduled for September 28-30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. WHO: Mentoring Institute participants must apply and are selected through the NACDA U Professional Development Grant Program. The grant is managed on a reimbursement basis to the recipient's institution and allocates $1,000 total for registration and travel expenses associated with the Two-Part Mentoring Institute program. Questions regarding the Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute should be directed to Katie Hein (khein@nacda.com).
Hear from past Mentoring Institute participants who are now sitting athletics directors...
"The NACDA Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute has become one of the highlights of my professional development journey, both before and even after I assumed "the chair." The comradery and transparency shared at the Institute is second to none. I would highly encourage any administrator with aspirations of professional growth, intentional networking and personal fulfillment to attend – you won't be disappointed!" -- Bryan Blair, Vice President/Director of Athletics, University of Toledo

"The opportunity to attend the Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute was an eye-opening experience that highlighted a path for me to get where I am today. Without question, many of the items discussed helped to shape my approach on a multitude of topics today making me a better administrator. Simply put, the Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute was game-changing and exposed me to a level that I had not been exposed to prior to attending. If you haven't considered attending, you need to correct that now and begin preparing yourself for the future!" -- Jason Coomer, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Lindenwood University

"We all want to continue to learn, grow and connect within our industry as we face some of the most dynamic times in the history of intercollegiate athletics. NACDA's Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute provides aspiring athletics directors with candid insight and wisdom shared by the nation's best intercollegiate athletics thought leaders and affords fantastic opportunities to connect with colleagues, search firms and other experts. Having been a participant, a speaker and moderator, I know that each time the Institute comes to an end, I walk away enriched, inspired by my colleagues and appreciative for NACDA pouring into this valuable program." -- Desireé Reed-Francois, Director of Athletics, University of Arizona

"I have participated in the NACDA Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute several times over the years, and each experience left me feeling energized and confident about continuing to advance my career. Hearing the real-life experiences of my now fellow directors of athletics not only provided me with great practical tools to use in my searches and in the chair, but also reinforced the strong community and support inherent across our industry. Thank you NACDA for your ongoing support! -- Allison Rich, Director of Athletics, University of New Hampshire