Courtesy of North Carolina Central Athletic Communications


DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central Department of Athletics has announced Michelle McLeod as part of the inaugural class of the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative by virtue of her appointment to the MLI Future Leader position at NCCU.
 
The position was endowed by Kentucky head men's basketball coach John Calipari in July as part of a partnership of more than 50 coaches, including NCCU men's basketball head coach LeVelle Moton, and the John B. McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation to launch the Minority Leadership Initiative (MLI). The coach-driven initiative will provide minorities a jump-start to their careers through practical experiences, opportunities to build their network, and instilling the values of McLendon: Integrity, Education, Leadership, and Mentorship. Participants in the initiative will be known as MLI Future Leaders.
 
McLeod joined North Carolina Central in 2018 to further her education and work as a graduate assistant with the men's basketball program. In 2019, she moved into the role of basketball operations assistant and received her master's degree from NCCU. 
 
McLeod was excited to learn that she was selected for the position, especially at NCCU.
 
"I was elated when I received the news," McLeod said. "This is such a huge accomplishment, and to be selected to serve in this position at my alma mater is a huge bonus! It is such an honor to be selected as part of the inaugural class of McLendon Minority Leaders. It is a position that I do not take lightly. This is an opportunity for me to not only grow professionally, but to also bring attention to and shine a light on Black women in sports."
 
NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree says she is proud of McLeod for being selected as part of the initiative, and is looking forward to working with her in her new role.
 
"We are so fortunate to be the recipient of a grant from the John B. McLendon Foundation to provide opportunities and access to leadership positions in college athletics," McCree said. "Coach Moton played an important role in this process, and we are truly appreciative of his continued advocacy for young men and women who have aspirations to become athletics administrators and coaches. 
 
"During her interview, Michelle clearly articulated her career goals and exuded the type of energy I look for when hiring team members," McCree continued. "Michelle is a hard worker and is deserving of this position. She understands the importance of this opportunity and has been very intentional in her career path. I look forward to working with her and helping her attain her goals."
 
Moton has worked closely with McLeod during the past few years and has seen her professional development, and says he's been impressed with her work.
 
"This is well deserved for such a remarkable young lady," said Moton. "Her energy, leadership, and work ethic has been imperative to the success of our program. She's affectionately known as the 'Olivia Pope' of our program, and we're excited for her accomplishments."
 
Even after earning her graduate degree, McLeod says she's looking forward to learning even more during her time as part of the program.
 
"I consider myself a lifelong learner and this position will allow me to learn from and be mentored by some of the best in collegiate athletics," McLeod said. "This position puts me right on track to accomplish my goals and will ultimately help me further my career. I have aspirations of one day becoming the commissioner of the WNBA, and to accomplish this I must be well-versed in all realms of athletics. Therefore, I hope to gain experience with business operations, marketing, finances, event operations, and much more."
 
The John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded and administered by NACDA that provides educational opportunities and serves as a vehicle for networking, information and advocacy on behalf of the profession. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 123 students with scholarships in the amount of $1,245,000.