DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque's Megan Wilson (Associate Dean of Student Engagement and Intercollegiate Athletics) graduated in June from the NCAA Pathway Program. Wilson was selected for the 2023-24 Pathway Program, a yearlong initiative designed to prepare senior-level athletics administrators for the next career step as directors of athletics or conference commissioners.

The Pathway Program, under the direction of NCAA leadership development, is an intensive, experiential learning opportunity for selected participants who work at an NCAA school or conference in Divisions I, II or III. During the year, the 21 participants were paired with and had regularly scheduled meetings with a campus or conference mentor. The mentors include directors of athletics, conference commissioners and school presidents, among others in leadership roles. 

"I feel so fortunate to have been selected for this opportunity by the NCAA," commented Megan Wilson. "It was the most transformative year of my career filled with learning, self-reflection, honing my craft and networking. My cohort was an integral part of my growth and I am thankful for their support in this journey. I'd also like to thank Peter Roby, Pennie Parker, Jason Verduga, Jay Jones, Stevie Baker-Watson, Heather Benning, and the NCAA Leadership Development team for investing in me, and in turn the student-athletes at the University of Dubuque who will benefit from my growth. I'm excited for the opportunities ahead. "

The Pathway Program is designed to help cement their leadership purpose and enhance their skills in areas that focus on strategic planning; fundraising; message articulation; diversity, equity and inclusion; organizational leadership; hiring processes; and engagement with search firms. The 2023-24 cohorts met for a week-long education sessions and additional programming in Indianapolis throughout the 2023-24 school year. To wrap up the year, all participants were recognized at the annual National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) national convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

"The past two cohorts saw six learners ascend into the director of athletics or conference commissioner roles, as well as seven additional learners promoted into elevated positions which bring them one step closer to leading an athletics department or athletic conference," said DeeDee Merritt, director of leadership development at the NCAA. "The Pathway Program continues to illustrate why it is a signature development opportunity for senior-level administrators in the membership and the future executive leaders in collegiate athletics. We are excited to embark on another year of transformative change with the 2024-25 cohort."

The Pathway Program was created in 1997 and has produced more than 300 program alumni, with nearly 30% of the graduates moving on to become athletics directors or conference commissioners. Additionally, more than 70% of the program alumni have received some level of promotion in relation to their title or job responsibilities.

Participants in the 2023-24 NCAA Pathway Program included:
Kristie Bowers (DI)
Senior Associate Director of Athletics / Senior Woman Administrator
Boston University                                                                               
 
Adele Burk (DIII)
Associate Director for Championships and Compliance                     
New England Small College Athletic Conference                               
 
Rob Carson (DI)
Associate Athletics Director for Academic Success, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement
Furman University                                                                             
 
Doug Chin (DIII)
Associate Commissioner
Commonwealth Coast Conference                                                    
 
Kristi Giddings (DI)
Deputy Commissioner                                                                       
Big West Conference
 
Kendra Greene (DI)
Deputy Athletics Director for Internal Affairs / Senior Woman Administrator
North Carolina Central University                                                       
 
Colin Hargis (DI)
Senior Associate Athletics Director / Marketing and Ticket Services    
NC State University
 
Ashton Henderson (DI)
Deputy Athletics Director / Championship Resources
Michigan State University
 
Ragean Hill (DI)
Executive Associate Athletics Director                                                
University of North Carolina Charlotte                                                
 
Taurian Houston (DI)
Executive Associate Athletics Director for Administration
Dartmouth University
 
 
Michael Koehler (DII)
Associate Director of Athletics
Rockhurst University
 
Lauren Freeman Leister DI
Deputy Athletics Director / Chief Operating Officer / Senior Woman Administrator
Florida Gulf Coast University
 
Nicole Levering (DII)
Assistant Director of Athletics / Senior Woman Administrator/ Head Softball Coach
Georgia Southwestern University                                                       
 
Deborah Rodgers (DII)
Deputy Chief Athletics Director
Tuskegee University
 
Chris Spells (DIII)
Assistant Athletics Director for Facility Operations, Recreation and Engagement
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
 
DaShena Stevens (DI)
Deputy Athletics Director
University of the Incarnate Word
 
Erin Sullivan (DIII)
Deputy Director of Athletics / Senior Woman Administrator
University of Wisconsin-Stout                                                             
 
Daniel Teliski (DII)
Associate Director of Athletics/ Compliance Director                          
Gannon University
 
Hayley Treadway DII
Senior Associate Athletics Director / Compliance and Student Success / SWA
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
 
Megan Wilson (DIII)
Associate Dean of Student Engagement and Intercollegiate Athletics
University of Dubuque
 
Tim Wise (DI)
Senior Associate Athletics Director / Facilities, Events and Revenue 
University of Notre Dame
 
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For further information, please contact Paul Misner, director of sports information, at 563.589.3168 or pmisner@dbq.edu.