Recreation and Sport Management Master's Student Attends NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar

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Amadou Fofana at the NCAA Emerging Leaders seminar in Indianapolis.

Amadou Fofana, a second-year graduate student in the College of Education and Health Professions, was selected to participate in the NCAA Emerging Leaders seminar recently held in Indianapolis.

The NCAA hosted a group of interns and graduate assistants in college athletics at its national office for the three-day event earlier this month. The seminar was designed to equip participants with tools and insights to shape the future of college athletics. It focused on developing leadership skills, providing opportunities to network with industry leaders, develop critical thinking skills and collaborate with like-minded peers.

Fofana is a Recreation and Sport Management master's student in the college's Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation.

"Attending the Emerging Leaders Seminar was an experience that really changed how I think about my career and personal growth," he said. "It gave me new insights and practical tools to help me improve my leadership skills and better navigate the challenges I'll face in the sports industry. The seminar also encouraged me to reflect on my own development, helping me understand where I am now and how I can continue to grow in the future."

Fofana is a part of ONE Razorback Pathway, a rotational graduate assistant program within Razorback athletics. As a student athlete development graduate assistant, he gains internal and external college athletics experience.

Those selected to attend the Emerging Leaders Seminar elevate both their individual and group skills through program case studies and experiential learning opportunities. The seminar also features interactive presentations, breakout engagement groups and panels.

Fofana plans to use these takeaways in both his personal and professional life. He believes that leadership is not just about bold actions but showing up every day for himself and others. "I'm incredibly grateful for the chance to be part of such a reflective experience," he said. "It reminded me that learning and growth are ongoing processes, not just in my career but in every part of my life."

One quote from the seminar stuck with Fofana: "Growth is a continuous journey both professionally and personally. I'm committed to learning, evolving and using those experiences to impact and help others succeed along the way."