NSU Newsroom
SharkBytes
Horizons
This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Athletics’ Kish Takes Part in Annual NCAA Leadership Forum
Kelley Kish served as one of the forum’s facilitators and worked directly with student-athletes from colleges across the country
The Nova Southeastern University Athletics Department associate athletics director and senior woman administrator, Kelley Kish, served as a facilitator at the annual NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum (SALF) on April 7-10 in Phoenix.
More than 200 NCAA student-athletes representing all sports and various campus academic departments attended the Leadership Forum, which was led by 20 facilitators who applied through the national office and were selected by a membership committee to complete facilitation training and then conduct the curriculum. Attendees also heard from keynote speakers LaChina Robinson, TV analyst for women’s basketball and former women’s basketball player at Wake Forest University, and Justin Patton, a certified body language and communications skills coach.
“Facilitating the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum was a phenomenal experience,” said Kish. “I was able to learn and lead throughout the week from the NCAA curriculum, the student-athletes and administrators taking part plus the speakers in Phoenix.”
During the forum, the student-athletes learned more about NCAA governance structures and how committees work, Student-Athlete Advisory Committees and how impactful they can be at the national, campus and conference levels and they participated in a community service project to benefit Helen’s Hope Chest, Child Crisis Arizona and the local school children in Phoenix.
“Working in partnership with my co-facilitator Justin Thaxton, from Grinnell College, our Navy Color Team really explored all facets of leadership and their personal journeys,” continued Kish. “It is very rewarding to be part of bringing together our 32 participants from all different campuses, sports and backgrounds and see their growth during the SALF. What is even more special is how much the participants taught us and each other about being a courageous leader.”
The student-athletes were separated into small teams for projects and discussions. The facilitators lead the teams each day and spurred conversations that helped the student-athletes with analytical thinking and ways to address any topics and concerns they may have on issues that impact them on their campuses.
“The NCAA is truly developing leaders with this program. I am excited to see the impact each participant has back on campus to their team, entire athletic department and all aspects of their lives,” continued Kish. “Thanks to our time in Phoenix and this NCAA program, they all have the skills and knowledge to live their life, leading the way they believe is right.”