The Illini Executive Academy is a two-year program that provides selected DIA staff members with enhanced exposure to the administration and management of intercollegiate athletics and help them gain the additional leadership experience needed for future opportunities within the industry. The program aims to equip participants with strong leadership skills upon completion of the program and the below programming.
Professional Development
- Leadership Development (e.g., case study, experiences, leadership mentor, etc.)
- National experiences (e.g., NCAA Convention, NACDA, etc.)
- Regional experiences (e.g., visits to nearby institutions, NCAA Office, etc.)
- Guest lectures from academicians and industry professionals
- Potential job shadowing opportunities
- Serve as a search chair on a search committee
- Meet with key constituents across campus (e.g., Chancellor, VC for Academic Affairs and Provost, VC for Student Affairs, Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs, Sr. Associate Chancellor for Administration and Operations, Campus Legal Counsel, VC for Advancement, etc.)
- Opportunity to apply for leadership development programming within the industry (e.g., NCAA Pathway Program, Women Leaders in College Sports Institute for Administrative Advancement, etc.)
- Other projects as assigned by Executive Staff (e.g., Title IX projects, etc.)
- Participate in Executive Staff and Senior Staff meetings and attend Athletic Board Committee Meetings
Personal Development
- Reading Series (e.g., John Gordon, etc.)
- Public Speaking Experience (e.g., join the DIA Toastmasters Club)
- Networking Experience (e.g., meet with ADs/Executive Staff members at other institutions)
- Interview Prep/Resume Writing
Cohort 7: 2024-25 Class Members
Cohort 6: 2023-24 Class Members
- Trajuan Briggs – Senior Academic Counselor
- Erin Gibson – Former Assistant Director of Athletics, Digital Engagement – Currently Senior Associate Director of Athletics at West Virginia
- Jim Hilliard – Director of Compliance
- Mike Maziarz – Director of Football Academic Services
Cohort 5: 2022-23 Class Members
- Brian Amentt – Former Director of Ticketing – Currently Senior Application Specialist at Paciolan
- Jerrick Olson – Technology Specialist
- Libby Miller – Former Assistant Director of Athletics, Finance – Currently Assistant Director of Budget Research Planning in the Illinois Office of the Provost
- Shanika Mungin – Assistant Director of Athletics, Student-Athlete Development
Cohort 4: 2021-22 Class Members
- Tom Divan – Assistant Director of Athletics, Facilities - SFC
- Rian Jones – Assistant Director of Athletics, Facilities Operations
- Kathleen Knight – Former Assistant Director of Athletics, Development - Chicago – Currently President and CEO of Icon Collective
- Autumn Taylor – Head Women's Basketball Athletic Trainer
Cohort 3: 2020-21 Class Members
- Michael Bellamy – former Assistant Football Coach
- Lisa Lawrence – former Assistant Director of Illini Way Student-Athlete Development -- Currently working as an HR professional at Zillow
- John Marquardt – Associate Director of Athletics, State Farm Center
- Emily Schilling – Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Volleyball
Cohort 2: 2019-20 Class Members
- Zach Goines – Associate Director of Athletics, Development
- Michael Palmer – Former Director of Softball Operations – Currently Director of Women's Basketball Operations at Tulane University
- Nick Rogers – Associate Director of Athletics, Sports TechnologyÂ
- Katie Taylor – Associate Director, Event ManagementÂ
Cohort 1: 2018-19 Class Members (Inaugural Class)
- Tim Knox – Assistant Director of Athletics, Football Operations
- Carrie Ummel – Associate Director of Athletics, DevelopmentÂ
- Holly Stalcup – Former Associate Director of Athletics, Event Management – Currently the Director of Stadium and Game Operations for The College Football Playoff
- Sam Laingen – Former Assistant Athletic Trainer, Women’s Basketball – Currently the University Pre-Health Professions Advisor at Eastern Illinois University
