College of Education and Health Professions Student Attends NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar

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Alexander Mitchell, a second-year graduate student in the College of Education and Health Professions Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, was selected to attend the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar.

The three-day event took place in February at the organization's national office and hosted interns and graduate assistants from NCAA member schools.

According to a press release, the NCAA hosts the seminar each year in an effort to connect emerging leaders through leadership, educational and transitional programming.

"The three days I spent at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis were very enlightening and impactful to my personal development and better understanding of the foundations of leadership, networking, collaboration, and community that I can apply in my current job now as an event management graduate assistant and my future job as a senior administrator in college athletics," Mitchell said.

Those selected to attend the seminar benefit from interactive presentations given by industry experts and NCAA national executives. Several breakout groups and panels allow attendees to build connections and explore career avenues in the college athletics industry. 

At the U of A, Mitchell is part of ONE Razorback Pathway, a rotational graduate assistant program within Razorback Athletics, which allows him to gain practical experience in external and internal sections of college sports.

Mitchell's plans for being a leader in his field include working toward becoming a deputy athletics director or athletic director at a Division 1 level institution. His strong passion for athletics inspired him to take on the role of event management graduate assistant for the Razorbacks. 

"As an undergraduate and now graduate student in our Recreation and Sport Management program, Alex has consistently and intentionally sought opportunities to engage with industry," said Craig Schmitt, teaching assistant professor and Recreation and Sport Management program coordinator. "The courage to seek insight and the humility to listen has, and will continue to, open doors to opportunities as Alex continues to explore career paths in the college athletics space where he can have the greatest impact on the student-athlete experience."