Goldey-Beacom Developing Lightning Leaders with the Athletic Leadership Academy

1/14/2021 12:00:00 AM

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Ever since Dr. Tom Brennan arrived, Spring 2017, as Director of Athletics at Goldey-Beacom College, he has introduced approaches intended to enhance the experience for student-athletes as well as professional development type activity for coaches and staff.

One important aspect of these efforts, (which would actually come as no surprise to those with whom Dr. Brennan has worked during his 35-year tenure as an Athletics Director at 4 institutions) has been the direct involvement of Faculty and Staff in the planning and delivery of programs. A special emphasis for Goldey-Beacom Athletics has involved 'Leadership Education' which has culminated with the creation of an Athletic Leadership Academy.

GBC Athletic Leadership Academy
As Dr. Brennan explained, it was his early discussion with Professor, Dr. Patricia Buhler, that helped serve as a catalyst to involve other GBC Faculty. Since that time, a host of faculty members and college staff have become involved with the athletics program. It was his discussion, however, with Management Professor, Dr. Nicole Evans, that has resulted in the introduction of a new program. Dr. Brennan and Dr. Evans have partnered in developing a formal 'Athletic Leadership Academy' which was launched during the 2019-2020 Academic Year.

"Leadership education is an important aspect of our overall approach to support student-athletes and also our efforts to support the professional development of coaches and staff," said Dr. Brennan. "I have emphasized these type programs at each school where I have served as athletics director, always looking to draw upon the expertise of institutional faculty and staff. Suffice it to say that I could not have been any more impressed by the response of GBC Faculty and Staff to become involved with the Athletic Leadership Academy. As one faculty person commented to me – 'We have great student-athletes at GBC, many of whom just need a little direction and a little nudging to be great in all aspects of life. I look forward to trying to have an impact on their journey'."

Dr. Evans adds, "Leadership is a requirement for success in all realms of life. Employers seek candidates that have leadership knowledge and experience. The student-athletes at GBC have great potential and are eager to learn. The Leadership Academy will help them with teamwork and provide them with life skills too. I am honored and excited to be involved in developing an innovative leadership program. Since the program's start in Fall 2019, it has significantly evolved through the efforts of committed GBC staff and faculty and community leaders."

The Athletic Leadership Academy will build upon current programming for student-athletes, but with a new and special element designed to develop the leadership potential of student-athletes in a highly intentional manner. The Athletic Leadership Academy currently includes a group of approximately 30 student-athletes, each of whom has been selected by their head coach in recognition of their potential to help promote team cohesion and a positive team culture. Coaches recognize the importance of team cohesion to overall team success and have been extremely supportive of this initiative.

"As a relatively new head coach at Goldey, and also as a first-time college head coach, I truly appreciate the efforts of administration to support my professional development. It does make a difference," mentions Andrew Shearer, Head Coach of Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field. "Also, the introduction of a highly organized 'Leadership Academy' for our student-athletes will only enhance their experience and help them develop the skills that will be necessary to succeed in an ever-changing and more complex world. I intend to inform students and parents regarding this special opportunity during the recruiting process – an added reason to select Goldey-Beacom."

Programs for Student-Athletes Have Included:

Bystander Intervention
Mentors in Violence Prevention
Networking for Success
Women in Leadership
Diversity and Inclusion
Effective Communication Skills
Sportsmanship
Ethical Conduct
Financial Literacy

The Athletic Leadership Academy has built upon current programming for coaches and staff, but now in a more highly organized and intentional manner.

Programs for Coaches and Staff Have Included:

Effective Decision Making
Emotional Intelligence
Power of Positive Thinking
Servant Leadership
Recruiting Best Practices
Effective Communication
Difficult Conversations
Promoting Good Mental Health
Unconscious Bias

All involved agree that The Leadership Academy has progressed nicely. The program has been well received by student-athletes, in particular.

"The Athletic Leadership Academy has provided many student-athletes with the skills necessary to become great leaders on and off the field," said GBC Baseball Student-Athlete, Trevor Jump. "Personally, these classes have helped me become a better leader. I believe that the administration has provided relevant and useful information and experiences. Leadership skills are a necessity for all who want to succeed in life. I'm looking forward to continued growth and development from this program and future success for all the teams and individuals here at Goldey-Beacom."

A Future Orientation (2020 and Beyond)
Discussions are underway regarding future approaches and enhancement opportunities. It is also noteworthy to mention that the expansion of these programs will be supported and possible with the increased involvement of GBC Associate Athletic Director, Jeremy Benoit, who has a special interest in the area of Student-Athlete Development.

"Leadership opportunities are always present in varying ways within the realm of Athletics," Benoit mentions. "But few institutions lend the opportunity to meld the leaders within each team together, to create a consortium of thinking surrounding the topic of leadership.

"I had an incredible four-year experience as a football student-athlete at Castleton University, but this idea is something that I think would have added a great deal of value to that experience. And that's what higher education is all about… creating better leaders for our future."

A "Leadership Conference" is being planned as a significant annual event.
A "Mentor Program" is being planned that will match individual student-athletes with GBC faculty and staff.
The GBC Alumni Office has expressed an interest in developing opportunities to involve alumni and alumnae. There should be some immediate opportunities, including: Student-Athlete Mentoring and Involvement with The Annual Leadership Conference.
The Athletic Leadership Academy will become the umbrella organization for 'GBC Cares', the community service arm for Athletics. An immediate focus will be the introduction of an "Adopt-a-School Program with nearby Linden Hill Elementary School.
A "Leadership Newsletter", offering leadership resource materials, will be introduced and available for the entire Goldey-Beacom community.

"The Athletic Leadership Academy has the potential to become a signature program for GBC Athletics," said Dr. Brennan. "It has also always been my sense that this initiative in Athletics might serve as a catalyst for broader institutional activity, including opportunities for meaningful alumni and community engagement type activity."

Dr. Evans adds, "Leadership skills are crucial for everyone, not just athletes. Success in life requires leadership proficiencies. My vision for the future is to continue partnering with innovative leaders, expanding the leadership program, and offering to all students at GBC. In addition, I would like to focus on further developing professional leadership development programs inside and outside of the GBC community."

Those interested in learning more about the Athletic Leadership Academy or becoming involved can contact Dr. Tom Brennan, Director of Athletics, or Dr. Nicole Evans, Assistant Professor of Management.

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