CLEVELAND – Since 2011-12, the Division II Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) and the NCAA have partnered to create a women and ethnic minorities mentoring program that provides a unique opportunity for women and all those who identify as ethnic minorities interested in a career as a Division II director of athletics. Annually, a total of 10 mentees are selected.
"We are thrilled to launch the D2 ADA Women & Ethnic Minorities Mentoring Program, a vital initiative aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community," said Dr. Michael McFarland, President of D2 ADA. "This program is designed to empower women and ethnic minorities by providing them with the guidance, support, and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Together, we are building a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and make a meaningful impact."
This experience partners each successful candidate with a current Division II director of athletics at another institution for enhancing career development. Mentors provide yearlong guidance and role modeling that encourages a commitment to a long-range career goal of serving as a Division II director of athletics.
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The objectives of the program include, but are not limited to, assisting the mentees with successfully navigating a career in athletics administration, providing an enriched learning experience that may enhance career mobility, and helping mentees to set personal and professional goals for the future while encouraging a healthy balance between home, work, and recreation.
Please see below for a complete listing of the 2024-25 mentor/mentees.
| Mentor |
Mentor Institution |
Mentee |
Fellow Institution |
| Mary Robb Plunkett |
University of North Georgia |
Jeremy Christoffels |
NCAA |
| Wendy Snodgrass |
Pennsylvania Western University, Clarion |
Elle Elder |
Mars Hill University |
| Pennie Parker |
Rollins College |
Daijah Freeman |
University of North Georgia |
| Traci Murphy |
Daemen University |
Nicole Higgins |
Frostburg State University |
| James DuBose |
Elizabeth City State University |
Jannelle Iaquinto |
Barry University |
| Kristene Kelly    |
Albany State University |
Stacey Lampkin |
Georgia College & State University |
| Bert Epting |
Anderson University |
Shaquana Miller |
Albany State University |
| Steve Brockelbank |
Ferris State University |
Mary Raskob |
Bloomsburg University |
| Karen Hjerpe |
Pennsylvania Western University, California |
Madeline Simmons |
Missouri Western State University |
| Wendell Staton        |
Georgia College |
Zoya Volpe |
San Francisco State University |
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About D2 ADA: The D2 ADA is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities; enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics; and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of Division II athletics directors. For more information about the D2 ADA, please visit www.div2ada.com. The D2 ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 60th year. For more information on NACDA and the 18 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
