BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell University Deputy Athletics Director
Alisha Tucker has been chosen as one of 22 individuals nationwide to participate in the 2022-23 NCAA Pathway Program, a yearlong initiative designed to prepare senior-level athletics administrators for the next career step as directors of athletics or conference commissioners.
"I'm honored to be joining the ranks of other administrators who have completed this program," said Tucker, who joined the Fighting Camel staff in July 2021. "The networking and educational opportunity provided will enhance my skillset and allow me to be an even stronger asset in the growth of Campbell's athletics department. I am grateful to our Director of Athletics
Dr. Omar Banks for nominating me and to the NCAA committee for selecting me for inclusion in this cohort."
Under the direction of NCAA leadership development, the Pathway Program is an intensive, experiential learning opportunity for selected participants who work at an NCAA school or conference in Divisions I, II or III. During the year, the 22 participants will be paired with and have regularly scheduled meetings with a campus or conference mentor. The program is designed to help cement their leadership purpose and enhance their skills in areas that focus on strategic planning; fundraising; message articulation; diversity, equity and inclusion; organizational leadership; hiring processes; and engagement with search firms. The 2022-23 cohort will meet June 5-9 for a weeklong education session. The program will conclude in the summer of 2023.
The Pathway Program was created in 1997 and has produced more than 100 program alumni, with nearly 30 percent of the graduates moving on to become athletics directors or conference commissioners. Additionally, more than 70 percent of the program alumni have received some level of promotion in relation to their title or job responsibilities.
The NCAA also has a presidential pledge that ties to its commitment around diverse hiring, which links to the visibility and eventual elevation of ethnic minorities and women to executive positions. Additionally, the NCAA's eight-point plan also ties to the Association's desire to raise hiring numbers as it relates to ethnic minorities and women.
"One of the aspects of this program I'm looking forward to is being connected with Presidents and Athletics Directors, who have committed to the development of individuals in the cohort along with connecting with industry colleagues from the different levels of the NCAA membership," said Tucker, who oversees the department's compliance and student services office.