Athletic Director Stephanie Johnson Graduates from Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute

BALTIMORE, MD - The NCAA has selected 19 athletics administrators to take part in the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, a program that aims to elevate participants' leadership skills to accelerate their professional growth while enhancing their ability to excel within their current roles.

The 19 selected attendees took part in a week of professional development programming July 12-19 in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, 18 athletics administrators who started in the Leadership Institute last summer took part in the programming in Tampa and were recognized at a graduation ceremony attended by program alumni.

"The Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute is truly the epitome of what leadership development is all about," said DeeDee Merritt, managing director of leadership development at the NCAA. "This program is designed to be a home and a safe space for our learners, built to allow space for growth and to challenge them. This is where it all comes together. The community that is manifested through the institute goes beyond the year we have them for; it's a lifetime bond." 

Participants graduating from the Leadership Institute in Tampa focused on in-depth personality and leadership assessments aimed at providing them with valuable insight into their strengths and areas of improvement. They worked with a consultant to dissect assessment results and walked away with tangible applications for self-reflection. Additionally, they were assigned an intensive case study activity to hone their skills in collaboration and communication.

The graduating administrators also completed a comprehensive DiSC 363 assessment combining peer and mentor feedback to provide an assessment of their leadership strengths and weaknesses.

More than 400 administrators have graduated from the Leadership Institute since it started in 2002, and more than 60% of those have gone on to hold senior leadership positions in college athletics. This now includes Goucher's Director of Athletics, Stephanie Johnson, who completed the program as a second year member.

"It was an incredible honor to be selected for and graduate from the Leadership Institute. The experience has been truly transformative, equipping me with practical tools, strategic insights, and a renewed sense of purpose in my role." Said Johnson, "I am already applying what I've learned to my day-to-day responsibilities, and I feel more empowered to lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence. This program has not only enhanced my leadership skills but also broadened my perspective on what it means to be an effective and impactful administrator."

Visit the Leadership Institute's webpage to learn more, including who is eligible to apply, how and when to apply, and specific information on the programming.