June 26, 2009

Saint Louis University director of athletic academic services Mary Clark has graduated from the 2008-09 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females. Ceremonies, which capped a year-long program, were held Wednesday at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.

"Being a part of the NCAA's Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females has truly been an extraordinary experience," Clark said. "I'm truly thankful to have been given the opportunity to take part in this program and appreciate the support of the athletic department. Graduation is somewhat bittersweet. I established a significant bond with my classmates and it is hard to leave them, but I know the program has prepared us to go back to our universities and be individuals of impact and change."

The 12-month program emphasizes leadership and administration, human resource management, finance and fundraising, booster, public and media relations, and leadership during four weekend sessions and one week-long meeting in Indianapolis. The institute is facilitated by a diverse group of leaders in business, higher education and intercollegiate athletics.

The program was established in 2001 following a recommendation from the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee. It is designed to address the shortage of senior-level ethnic minority females and males in athletics at the campus and conference levels. Clark joins associate director of athletics Kosha Irby, who participated in the 2005 program, as graduates of the NCAA Leadership Institute.