DALLAS (SMU) - In support of the department's commitment to the university's educational mission and the departmental values of S.P.I.R.I.T., SMU Athletics will enhance its portfolio of leadership development opportunities to include an emerging leaders program beginning with the 2017-18 academic year.
 
The Emerging Leaders Program will provide an opportunity for select staff members to develop and refine leadership skills. Participants will be selected by the senior administrative staff and will partake in the year-long leadership program. At the completion of the program, participants should have better understanding of his/her personal mission, values and goals and his/her role as a member of the Department of Athletics. Some members will add additional experience, taking on roles as assistant sport administrators.
 
The initial class will include Director of Strength & Conditioning Trumain Carroll, Assistant Women's Soccer Coach Nicole Nelson, Assistant A.D./Development Matt Peters, Men's Basketball Director of Operations Sean Stout and Women's Basketball Assistant Coach Amie Smith Bradley.

"Investing in our people provides value to the entire department. We are expected to consistently give, and be, our best. We must continually expand our knowledge and adopt a best-practice, forward-thinking mindset, and professional development plays an important role in that growth," said SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart.
 
This is the second major professional development program SMU has launched in the last year, with a "Lunch & Learn" program started last August.
  
The series, coordinated by Senior Associate AD/COO Kevin White, will focus specifically on professional development as it relates to the SMU campus and surrounding community. The program will aim to address developing leadership skills; strategic holistic thinking; leading diverse populations; oversight of sport programs; navigating difficult situations and developing a personal learning plan.