CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Queens University of Charlotte associate athletic director for external operations Terrence Warren is one of 20 senior-level administrators that have been selected to participate in the NCAA Pathway Program, which aims prepares individuals to attain positions as directors of athletics or conference commissioners. The 20 were chosen by the NCAA leadership development office in partnership with the Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity.
 
Throughout the year-long 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. This includes a focus on how to thrive in the ever-evolving intercollegiate athletics landscape shaped by recent prominent developments in society.
 
The active learning curriculum features diverse 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," said DeeDee Merritt, director of leadership development. "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."
 
While the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the group of administrators from meeting in person this summer, these college athletics leaders from all three divisions will connect virtually for an engaging week of virtual programming on June 22-26. Participants will hear from accomplished speakers who will help facilitate critical conversations on an array of topics related to the state of college athletics. The curriculum will foster skill-building by emphasizing values clarification, personal development and self-awareness, media training, diversity and inclusion, and organizational leadership.
 
"The 2020-21 Pathway cohort represents a diverse group of administrators who have demonstrated impressive leadership capabilities and potential to flourish as college athletics' next wave of capable decision-makers," Merritt said. "We are immensely excited to play a role in guiding these individuals along their professional journeys."
 
Participants will be separated divisionally after their initial virtual meeting, with Division I administrators and Division II and III administrators receiving division-specific programming. The participants will meet at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis in October 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. Fifty-five of those participants (over 25%) have become directors of athletics or conference commissioners, including 46 who identify as either minorities or females. The 2019 Pathway Program alone has produced five athletics directors since the commencement of programming last June.