Charlotte, N.C. (July 23, 2025) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) proudly announces the launch of the CIAA Leadership Academy (CLA), a bold new initiative designed to empower and equip leaders at every level of CIAA athletics. This innovative program will serve as a catalyst for professional growth, equity-centered leadership, and strategic collaboration across the conference

The CLA is rooted in the belief that strong, inclusive leadership is essential to the long-term success and integrity of collegiate athletics. The Academy will foster a legacy of effective, equitable, and collaborative leadership, aligning with the broader mission of CIAA member institutions and the conference itself.

Through strategic, cohort-based programming, the CLA will serve all core leadership groups within the conference. The initiative is built on four key pillars:

    · Building leadership capacity across diverse functional areas.

    · Advancing strategic thinking and equity-centered leadership practices.

    · Supporting career advancement and staff retention.

    · Promoting collaboration and a shared vision across institutions.

Program Structure
Each year, two leadership groups will participate in CLA programming, including one in the fall and one in the spring, over a four-year cycle. The schedule is as follows:

    · Year 1:

        o Fall: Campus SAAC Liaisons

        o Spring: Senior Woman Administrators

    · Year 2:

        o Fall: Faculty Athletic Representatives

        o Spring: Athletic Trainers

    · Year 3:

        o Fall: Compliance Directors

        o Spring: Sports Information Directors

    · Year 4:

        o Fall: Athletic Directors

        o Spring: Coaches

Targeted Outcomes
Participants in the CLA will gain critical skills and insights, including how to:

    · Identify and refine their leadership style to meet diverse team needs.

    · Build strategic communication, planning, and problem-solving competencies.

    · Address key challenges in collegiate athletics and student-athlete well-being.

    · Develop and implement leadership development plans aligned with institutional and CIAA objectives.

    · Forge stronger professional networks and collaborative relationships across the conference.