The NAIA RISE Governance & Leadership Academy is expanding from a one-day pre-convention program to a full- semester leadership development experience for NAIA athletics administrators. From December through March, participants will connect virtually to learn, grow, and build relationships before coming together for an in-person experience at the NAIA National Convention.
The NAIA RISE Governance & Leadership Academy is expanding from a one-day pre-convention program to a full- semester leadership development experience for NAIA athletics administrators. From December through March, participants will connect virtually to learn, grow, and build relationships before coming together for an in-person experience at the NAIA National Convention.
GLA attendees receive a 50% discount on their NAIA Convention registration!
The GLA programming on the first afternoon of convention will not require a full convention registration.
|
Time |
Topic |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Check-In and Breakfast |
|
9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. |
Welcome and Opening Remarks |
|
9:20 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. |
Leadership Paths: Not One Straight Road (Panel) |
|
9:50 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. |
Personal Leadership Mapping |
|
10:05 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
Break |
|
10:15 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. |
NAIA Structure/Compliance/What Would You Do? |
|
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. |
Lunch |
|
1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
The Importance of Supporting Roles |
|
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Wearing Multiple Hats |
|
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Round Tables: Situations Wearing Multiple Hats |
|
3:00 p.m. – 3:10 p.m. |
Break |
|
3:10 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Current State of College Athletics/Burning Topics/Conversation |
|
4:00 p.m. |
Closing Remarks |
|
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Reception |
Hosted by NAIA Rise, the Governance and Leadership Academy (GLA) identifies and uplifts professionals who are ready to rise up and reach toward leadership in the association.
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 one-day, high-impact program is held annually in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention. The 2027 GLA will take place Thursday, April 8, 2027, in San Antionio, Texas.
GLA will be held on the first day of the NAIA National Convention on Thursday, April 8, 2027, at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk.
GLA has previously covered various topics, including NAIA governance, committee service, eligibility, compliance, fundraising, marketing, effective communication, mentorship, and creating welcoming environments for diverse/underrepresented student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and staff. Specific topics vary each year.
GLA attendance is capped at 50 participants, with each conference sending any two individuals who are currently employed by an NAIA institution or conference office. Ideal nominees include those who are:
Previous attendees have included administrators, staff, coaches, and graduate assistants. Please note, undergraduate students will not be accepted unless they work as staff members, administrators, or coaches in the athletics department.
Each conference selects any two individuals to participate in the GLA. Individuals working within athletics, regardless of title, can be nominated by their institution and selected by their conference to attend. This includes administrators, staff, coaches, and graduate assistants; undergraduate students will not be accepted unless they work as staff members, administrators, or coaches in the athletics department. GLA attendees should specifically be interested in starting, transitioning, or advancing in a career within athletics administration.
Ideal nominees include those who are:
Individuals interested in attending should contact their athletics director and/or conference commissioner for more information, as the selection process may differ for each conference.
Conferences must submit their participants through this form by October 30, 2026.
Individual attendees will receive an invitation to confirm their attendance by registering for the event. They will receive the invitation via email.
No payment is needed for GLA attendance. However, individuals may still need to pay for travel and/or lodging if required. In some cases, an individual’s conference or institution may be able to cover the costs associated with travel. Attendees should contact their athletics director and/or conference commissioner for more information.
Participants (or the institution/conference responsible for making the reservation) are encouraged to reserve their rooms through the convention hotel link, which will be available at www.NAIA.org/convention.