In the fall of 2020, the NAIA and its Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) created CCA RISE with the specific mission of providing an avenue for NAIA membership to participate in training and programming aimed at influencing positive change in the association where all people are valued and provided equal opportunity in all aspects of life.
In November 2020, CCA RISE formed a partnership with the Minorities Opportunities in Athletics Association (MOAA), focusing on career opportunities for minorities in the NAIA. Read more about the NAIA's partnership with MOAA.
In March 2022, the NAIA hosted the first Governance & Leadership Academy to provide intense training on NAIA governance issues and strategic initiatives. The full-day event is designed to introduce attendees to NAIA committee work and prepare young minority and female administrators for committee service.
By 2023, each campus was required to have a designated Senior Woman Leader, a female administrator or coach who will serve as a key participant in senior-level management decisions regarding intercollegiate athletics on campus.
In 2023, the Senior Woman Leaders Association was formed to promote the meaningful representation of women in the leadership and management of NAIA sports.
Today, the NAIA is home to 23 HBCU member institutions, including 16 that compete in the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), the only conference in the NAIA exclusively representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The conference spans eight states and one U.S. territory, bringing together institutions with rich academic traditions, vibrant campus cultures, and a shared commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field of play.
The NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy (GLA) provides training on NAIA governance issues and strategic initiatives, introduces attendees to NAIA committee work, and prepares young minority or female administrators for committee service.
GLA attendance is capped at 50 participants, with each conference sending any two individuals. Geared toward women, minorities, or individuals new to the NAIA, but open to anyone, GLA provides insights into administration basics, NAIA governance, industry hot topics, and leadership skills. This includes administrators, staff, coaches, and graduate assistants; undergraduate students will not be accepted unless they work in the athletics department as staff members, administrators, or coaches.
The Annual Governance and Leadership Academy is typically held in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention.
Opportunity to attend the annual MOAA Symposium at reduced rates.
Participation in the MOAA Community, in which individual members may exchange ideas or seek input and also be appraised of employment opportunities within the field.
Complimentary copies of Athletics Administration magazine, which includes MOAA Corner articles. The magazine is produced four times a year.
Complimentary subscription to the NACDA Daily Review, which is a compilation of internet articles related to intercollegiate athletics. The Daily Review is sent via e-mail five days per week.
Networking opportunities with other minority professionals.
