Courtesy of Howard University Athletic Media Relations


INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., June 25, 2020 – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Leadership Development Office, in partnership with the Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity, unveiled its 20 senior-level administrators to participate in the 2020-21 Pathway Program, where Howard University Associate Athletic Director for Administration & Senior Women's Administration (SWA) Amy Olson was among the participants.
 
The primary goal is to prepare these individuals to attain positions as athletic directors or conference commissioners.
 
"I am blessed and humbled to be included in this year's Pathway Program," Olson said. "This is a unique opportunity for me to learn from leaders across college athletics. It's incredibly important to continue developing within the ever-evolving intercollegiate athletics world."
 
Throughout the yearlong program, participants engage in a series of experiential learning opportunities focused on advancing them to the top role in an athletics department or conference while building their skills to thrive in their current duties.
 
The active learning curriculum features a diverse mix of case study assignments, higher education and athletics leadership engagement, exploration of culture development, and insight into hiring practices and interview preparation.
 
"The Pathway Program represents one of NCAA leadership development's most transformative offerings. Through investing in the development of those who coach, teach and lead them, we have a profound impact on the student-athlete experience through engaging participants in this marquee program," DeeDee Merritt, Director of Leadership Development, said. "This track record in achieving its intended outcome has resulted in the creation of a vast alumni pool populated with the most influential leaders in college sports."
 
In October, after their initial virtual meeting, the participants will meet at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis to gain experience with the NCAA governance structure before selecting a destination for a spring site visit. In the spring meeting, they will receive the opportunity to interact and engage with industry professionals at a wide variety of organizations, providing a well-rounded outlook on leadership styles in and outside athletics.
 
Over the past 22 years, the acclaimed Pathway Program (formerly the Fellows Program) has produced over 200 alumni with 55 of those participants (over 25-percent) becoming athletic directors or conference commissioners, including 46 who identify as either minorities or females.
 
"The 2020-21 Pathway Program will allow me to further develop my leadership skills while engaging with other leaders in the industry," Olson said.