BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 14, 2020)-Morgan State's Kim Ross-Watkins and Chad Allen have been selected to participate in the year-long NCAA Leadership Academy Workshop.
 
Ross-Watkins, who is the Assistant to the Athletic Director/Director of Life Skills and Allen, who is the Director of Student-Athlete Development at Morgan, are two of a total of 36 individuals hailing from 18 membership institutions across the NCAA's three divisions selected to participate.
 
"It's a privilege to have been selected for the NCAA Leadership Academy Workshop," said Ross-Watkins. "I look forward to learning new and innovative ways to motivate, encourage and inspire our student-athletes to unlock their potential in becoming the leaders in life."
 
The year-long educational experience will begin next Monday, Oct. 19, where trained leadership programming experts will empower participants with the knowledge and plan to build a substantial leadership development program on their campus.
 
"First, I would like to thank the NCAA Leadership Development team for providing opportunities for professional development during these challenging times," said Allen. "I am truly honored to have been selected along with our Director of Life Skills, Mrs. Kimberly Ross-Watkins to represent the Morgan State Athletics Department and Morgan State University."
 
"Anytime you can be afforded the opportunity to lead alongside other colleagues within this business across Divisions is a win. Our Athletic Director, Dr. Edward Scott has been instrumental in supporting professional development opportunities that provide resources toward developing our student-athletes holistically through the areas of: personal growth, academic excellence, athletic success, career readiness and community engagement."
 
The global COVID-19 pandemic has required individuals across collegiate athletics to practice ultimate adaptability and lean into virtual engagement. This year's NCAA Leadership Academy Workshop cohort is no different.

Next week marks the beginning of the Foundations module, where participants will be equipped with the key building blocks to begin creating a sustainable academy. Modules will span four weeks with weekly virtual meetings to allow participants to thoughtfully engage with the curriculum and one another. 

The workshop thrives on connection, whether through the intentional construction of a safe and feedback oriented learning environment or peer-to-peer ideation and support. The tight-knit nature of the group will contribute to a deep-understanding of program material for participants. The reciprocal investment by lead consultants and participants will ultimately allow attendees to put vision to practice and build leadership academies that will deliver stated objectives and enhance the student-athlete experience. 
 
"The year-long NCAA LAW program will allow Kim and I to explore best practices, research and theories in leadership development while infusing hands-on-learning," added Allen. This experience will assist us in the designing and implementation of a unique leadership program for our student-athletes. I strongly believe that learning from the NCAA and its professional cohort will be very advantageous to the foundation, growth and sustainability of "TheMorganWay" Leadership Academy."

"This is another example of how Morgan State athletics is committed to creating a competitive advantage for our current student-athletes. #TheMorganWay – Creating leaders in the Classroom, Competition, Community and Life after Morgan."

The 18 institutions selected to participate in this impactful virtual offering include:

American International College, Stephanie Jarosik & Thomas Pool
Bates College, Jessica Duff & Joe Vari
Bethune-Cookman University, Kayla Lee & Ryan Griffin
Franklin & Marshall College, Brad Brubaker & Kirsten Richter
King's College, Jessica Huda & Megan Mundy
Morgan State University, Chad Allen & Kim Ross-Watkins
Pepperdine University, Erin Carroll & James Gehrels
Providence College, Jennifer Cunningham & Nick Sailor
Rutgers University, Jackie Kelly & Marc Dauphin
Saint Michael's College, Madelena DeThomasis & Meggan Dulude
San Jose State University, Annalisa Duarte & Tobruk Blaine
Savannah State University, Daijah Freeman & Marissa Campbell
University of Kansas, Benjamin Wilson & George Midgett
University of Massachusetts- Amherst, Amanda Ekabutr & Elizabeth Smith Hamlet
Wabash College, Ayanna Tweedy & Samantha Current
Washington State University, Derrick Mitchell & Shelby McKay
West Chester University, Kellianne Milliner & Madlyn Evans
Willamette University, Annie Longtain & Leslie Shevlin

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Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 126 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.