NJCAA Leadership Institute | Photo Gallery
Richmond, VA – The NJCAA hosted its first-ever Leadership Institute Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 2 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Richmond – Midlothian. A two-day professional development event, the Leadership Institute welcomed over 100 coaches, administrators, and staff from various member institutions from around the country.
With over 20 breakout sessions throughout the event, attendees engaged with presenters in categories ranging from compliance, facilities, marketing, professional development, and various other opportunities. Along with presentations from the NJCAA national office staff andregional leaders from around the association, presenters included Jim Abbott, Oklahoma City University Athletic Director, Jake Hirshman, author of 20 Secrets to Success for Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, and Tom Hess, The Playbook Lab Founder & CEO.
"It was an amazing experience from a perspective of what college athletics is all about," stated guest speaker Jake Hirshman, 20 Secrets to Success for Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro. "The NJCAA really represents providing opportunities for student-athletes from around the country. It was really neat to learn about the association and the people involved with the Leadership Institute are all just as ambitious - eager to learn, eager to improve the student-athlete experience."
"I think from a turnout perspective – the engagement was extremely high," Hirshman added. The people were locked in and focused and really enjoyed it and were graciously kind enough to give feedback."
The opening day of the Leadership Institute was capped by the keynote address delivered by XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. Throughout the address, Luck touched on the importance of college athletics and the opportunities created for student-athletes.
"Think about all the passion in college athletics – that passion is so powerful as a support for higher education in this country," Luck noted in his keynote address.
Also in attendance at the Keynote Address was the VCU Sport Leadership graduate program. The group of 27 students took part in group discussions and engaged with the membership during the Keynote Address.
Various NJCAA official partners and sponsors showcased their organizations at the NJCAA Exhibit Hall. Sean Connors, CEO of eTeamSponsor, the Official Fundraising Partner of the association, served as both a guest speaker and exhibit hall sponsor throughout the Leadership Institute. "I think leadership is a core value at eTeamSponsor and anytime there's a leadership opportunity, we jump at the chance," Connors stated. "Understanding Dr. (Christopher) Parker's vision as to why leadership is important and having us as a part of that, we're honored, and what a great way to continue to help grow the association."
NJCAA Leadership Institute on Social Media
Great hearing @xfl2020 CEO and Commissioner, @OliverLuckXFL speak at the @NJCAA Leadership Institute yesterday! pic.twitter.com/vXa5pjxJss
— eTeamSponsor (@eTeamSponsor) April 2, 2019
Had a blast sharing with the @NJCAA Leadership Institute today. Great group of small college athletics folks working to get better. Thanks for letting me join you! https://t.co/0ZcTMWXqqJ
— Jim Abbott (@jimabbott33) April 2, 2019
The fundamentals of your department define the culture. Work on your fundamentals every day!
— Jeremy Capo (@Jeremy_Capo) April 2, 2019
Great stuff from @jimabbott33 at the @NJCAA Leadership Institute
Excellent Leadership Institute so far from @njcaa! To learn more about PRIVIT - the Official Health Information Platform of the NJCAA - visit https://t.co/c8oTUOIL8l #athletesafety #athletehealth #NJCAALeadershipInstitute https://t.co/Flnbx19Dqh
— PRIVIT (@PrivitProfile) April 2, 2019
Packed house to meet with @Jeremy_Capo of @GoReivers here in session one, day one of @NJCAA Leadership Week #DevelopingOpportunities @NJCAA_Exec pic.twitter.com/G8l8fwSIxs
— Mick McDaniel (@MickMcDaniel) April 1, 2019
Grateful to be part of the @NJCAA's inaugural Leadership Institute. #MeasureWhatMatters pic.twitter.com/te5JtTDJoK
— Athlete Viewpoint (@AthleteViewpt) April 2, 2019
Excited to be a part of this week with @NJCAA Learning and sharing with some of the best in the country! #njcaaleadershipweek https://t.co/8iiNNySo1m
— Christina Hundley ?? (@SFsundevil) April 2, 2019
Grateful for the opportunity to the attend the inaugural @NJCAA #Leadership Institute this week! Thank you to @NJCAA_Exec for his passion for developing future leaders for the organization! @wccdothan @acccathletics pic.twitter.com/79tiVzZ2H7
— Ryan Spry (@RGSpry) April 1, 2019
Great to have @xfl2020 @OliverLuckXFL in the house with us for the @NJCAA Leadership Institute pic.twitter.com/bkbnkbO4G6
— Dr.ChristopherParker (@NJCAA_Exec) April 1, 2019
The first ever @NJCAA leadership is underway! #njcaaleadershipweek pic.twitter.com/WyHDBxMc1t
— Dr.ChristopherParker (@NJCAA_Exec) April 1, 2019