Apply HERE for the 2026 Steve McDonnell Professional Development Institute
Submission deadline is Thursday, March 26, 2026
The 2026 PDI will be held November 8-10 in Kansas City, MO |
History
The N4A Professional Development Institute (PDI) was created with the vision to provide an innovative professional development experience for individuals seeking to excel in the field of student-athlete support services. Initiated by the leadership of N4A Past President Steve McDonnell, PDI began as a pre-convention event at the N4A 30
th Anniversary Convention and was hosted by North Carolina State University in June 2005. The inaugural Institute focused on leadership and management and was designed for individuals who had been in the field 5-10 years and demonstrated leadership potential. Since 2007, at least two tracks have been offered on a rotational basis preceding the N4A National Convention. Over the years, PDI has expanded to five tracks. In June of 2017, PDI was officially renamed to honor the leadership and spirit of its founder, Steve McDonnell. Beginning in November 2020, the Steve McDonnell Professional Development Institute will shift to a comprehensive professional development offering all five tracks simultaneously every two years in the late fall.
Alumni
PDI boasts over 760 alumni across five tracks. Graduates of the institute have gone on to become nationally recognized leaders in the fields of student-athlete support services, college athletics and conference administration, and higher education. Many alumni have also served in leadership roles for N4A and on various NCAA committees. PDI cohorts remain engaged with one another forming an influential and powerful professional network of colleagues. It has also become a tradition to openly celebrate your PDI class with pride!
Overview and Mission of PDI
The Steve McDonnell Professional Development Institute (PDI) is N4A's longest running and most comprehensive professional development opportunity for N4A members. Since 2005, N4A has provided an innovative, transformational leadership experience or "boot camp" for individuals seeking to excel in the field of academic and student-athlete support services. The 2.5-day immersive experience brings industry leaders together for the purpose of advancing participants' knowledge, leadership, and skills. Sessions consist of instructional sessions, interactive exercises, team presentations, and individual reflection and growth exercises. Participants will also complete several assignments before the in-person PDI experience. There are over 760 PDI alumni nationwide who comprise an active and engaged network.
