Why an Athletic Leadership Initiative?

The field of collegiate athletics has changed dramatically in the last decade. As leaders in this growing and exciting arena of professionals, you need to be prepared to lead not only your teams, but a diverse staff of professionals, athletes and volunteers. The collegiate athletic program has become a sophisticated yet complex business of strategy, profitability and success on many fronts.

This intensive residential program will join you with your peers in NCAA and CIS programs for an opportunity to explore in depth what has worked (and not worked) elsewhere and how to apply these lessons at your own program. This experience will prepare you for the ever-changing world of collegiate athletics and provide the foundation for the necessary business acumen to successfully lead a collegiate athletic program

What can I expect?

The ALI has been founded on quality of instruction and current leadership theory. The UVM ALI will only appeal to a select base of programs – those that are serious about continual improvement of both the human resource and the successful management of the athletic business enterprise. This three-day program will focus specifically on:

• The Business of Sport: Tapping into Revenue and Building the Enterprise;
• The Ever Changing Role of Marketing and Building your Audience;
• Forming a Strategic Vision: Building the Plan and Engaging your Team.

Who should attend?

1. Current or potential Athletic Directors of NCAA and CIS schools & conferences
2. Collegiate sport professionals in leadership positions;
3. Program decision makers and key stakeholders.

"As athletics administrators in these challenging times, it's so important for us to always keep an eye on "big picture" issues - yet so difficult because of time demands. The ALI conference was a great opportunity to focus on critical areas like human resources, building brand image, leadership style, and integrative management. It was interesting to learn that we are all facing the same central issues, regardless of NCAA Division, or whether our institution is located in Canada or the U.S."

~ Chris Kenny, Associate Athletic Director, St. Michaels College

What you will gain from participating in this experience?

1. A unique leadership experience with your peers from NCAA and CIS athletic programs;
2. A foundation of leadership theory and application;
3. A lively blend of faculty led instruction and current application from leading industry experts.

"I think the nice thing about it is that it's a really small group of people and you can really engage in conversations in how you can get better within your organization and the theory that has been presented is spot on."

~ Robert Driscoll, Jr. Athletic Director, Providence College