Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Athletic Communications


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two members of the Bethune-Cookman University Athletics Office of Student-Athlete Services (OSAS) will participate in the 2020-21 NCAA Leadership Academy Workshop.

Dr. Ryan Griffin, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athlete Services/Academics, and Academic Coordinator  Kayla Lee will join 34 colleagues from 17 other NCAA membership institutions across the NCAA's three divisions in a year-long educational beginning Monday, Oct. 19.

All activities will conducted virtually due to the global COVID19 pandemic.

The curriculum will feature trained leadership programming experts will empower participants with the knowledge and plan to build a substantial leadership development program on their campus.

"I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to join other professionals in the world of collegiate athletics for leadership development," Griffin said. "I am eager to learn and ready to acquire the necessary tools needed to better service our student-athletes here at Bethune-Cookman University."

Over a series of four weeks, the 36 participants will network and exchange ideas with the final goal of understanding the requirements of sustaining a working model that benefits the Student-Athletes.

"The Leadership Academy Workshop will allow us to develop and implement an academy geared toward preparing our student-athletes to be leaders in the world far beyond their time at Bethune-Cookman University," Lee said. "My passion is developing young adults and this academy will allow us to do just that."

In previous years, workshops have provided a connectivity that contributes to a deeper understanding of the program material for participants. The reciprocal investment by lead consultants and participants will ultimately allow attendees to put vision to practice and build leadership academies that will deliver stated objectives and enhance the student-athlete experience.

One subject definitely on the agenda will be how the participants' respective offices have responded to maintaining a high level of service during this pandemic affected year.

"It has pushed us to a new level of creativity and flexibility to help enhance the student-athlete experience at the university," Griffin said. "But it has really allowed our OSAS team to bond and build upon the family atmosphere we've created within the department. "

Lee's tenure began when the pandemic's full effects were starting.

"At first, I had a hard time learning the who's who on campus and with the students because we were all working remotely," Lee said. "Even still with the limited contact that we've had in our lab, has made it a bit difficult for me to foster relationships with the student-athletes.

"However, I've been immensely blessed to work with the team we have in OSAS," Lee added. "I don't think anybody knows Bethune-Cookman than them, except [Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Lynn W.] Thompson. They made this transition as smooth as possible and have aided in whatever I needed to get the job done. I couldn't ask to be a part of better group."
 
Griffin and Lee will join Senior Associate AD/Student Athlete Services Reginald L. Thomas as alumni of the program.