CAAS Members Attend Annual Emerging Leaders Seminar

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For the second year in a row, the University of Memphis had three representatives from the Center for Athletic Academic Services attend the 2019 NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar held in Indianapolis, Ind. from Feb. 6-8, 2019.

The Emerging Leaders Seminar (ELS) is an annual professional development event that provides effective leadership, educational and transitional programing for more than 200 current graduate assistants and interns from NCAA membership schools, conference offices and affiliate organizations. The three-day program educates, develops and connects selected participants, and can increase the likelihood for rapid career progression within college sports.

"It's an honor to have our interns and graduate assistants be selected to attend the Emerging Leaders Seminar offered by the NCAA," said Fernandez West, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services. "The opportunity to meet and learn from some of the best athletic administration from across the country will only enhance their enthusiasm for working with student-athletes. Supporting their aspirations to work in the college athletics industry is the least we can do for them as they get an extensive and broad working knowledge of the academic industry as part of our Center for Athletic Academic Services (CAAS) team."

There were 216 interns/graduate assistants in attendance and the UofM was represented by interns Jalynn McClain and Amber Aucoin and graduate assistant Carlie Corrigan.

At the Emerging Leaders Seminar, interns and graduate assistants explored the role of conference offices, and had the opportunity to identify, and network with, key decision makers within college athletics.

At the conclusion of the 2018-19 academic year, all three attendees will be looking for full-time positions in athletic departments.

Attendee Information
Jalynn McClain – Intern
McClain attended Western Kentucky University and earned her bachelor's degree while competing for the Lady Hilltopper basketball team. She followed up her undergraduate studies with a Master of Science in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from WKU.

"My Emerging Leaders Seminar experience was very informative and gave me a new perspective as to how to expand my career. I was able to gain knowledge from a diverse group of leaders, which included individuals who work in several different roles within intercollegiate athletics. Overall, the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar was an amazing opportunity".

Amber Aucoin – Intern
Aucoin earned her Master of Education in Professional Counseling from the University of West Georgia. While at West Georgia, Aucoin was a graduate assistant in Housing and Residence Life.

"Attending ELS provided me the opportunity to learn more about my personality as it pertains to the workplace, as well as how to connect better with coworkers who have different personalities and strengths than myself. I also learned that my interests and strengths may be well suited for other departments, in addition to academics, and I am excited to pursue more opportunities within intercollegiate athletics."

Carlie Corrigan – Graduate Assistant
Corrigan is a former student-athlete after competing on the women's basketball team at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. She is a current graduate assistant at the CAAS and is working toward her Master of Science in Leadership and Policy Studies with a concentration in Student Personnel.

"I would recommend attending the Emerging Leaders Seminar because it is a time to reflect, identify, and challenge yourself with others who are energized by the collegiate athletics industry. It is also a great opportunity to meet future leaders and colleagues and practice connecting in a genuine way".

University of Memphis Athletics

CAAS Members Attend Annual Emerging Leaders Seminar

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