VILLANOVA ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
June 13 & 14, 2023
The journey to becoming a University that brings home national championships is about a lot more than the x's and o's of the game. It's largely due to the exceptional leaders on the sidelines and behind the scenes who have a passion for sports, a genuine desire to develop well rounded student-athletes, and the vision and charisma to inspire greatness in those around them.
At the Villanova Athletics Leadership Summit, you will hear directly from leaders of Villanova Athletics, like vice president and athletic director, Mark Jackson, to understand their “WHY” behind pursuing a career in sports. This course will provide a unique opportunity to crystallize your leadership philosophy, apply it to your life experiences, and implement it in your life.
LEARN THE 5 PILLARS THAT GUIDE VILLANOVA ATHLETICS
- Developing an authentic leadership philosophy
- Supporting student-athlete development
- Achieving competitive excellence
- Fostering compliance and community, and
- Promoting athletic entrepreneurship.
Held at the state of the art Finneran Pavilion on Villanova’s beautiful campus, students will participate in a two-day, truly one-of-a-kind learning experience.
You will learn directly from the creative and innovative leaders of Villanova Athletics. You will connect and network with other sports professionals who share a passion for Villanova Athletics and its values based, holistic approach to leadership. Finally, Villanova faculty member Bret Myers, PhD will guide you during and after the summit in the development of your Leadership Philosophy. By committing to this important “lonely work”, you will craft a living guide that will influence how you communicate and respond authentically to people and events.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
The Villanova Athletics Leadership Summit is designed for:
- Early to mid-level professionals working in all dimensions of Sports Management (administration; coaches; academic support staff; facilities professionals, fundraisers, etc.)
- Individuals interested in transitioning to a career in Sports Management
- Individuals who desire to know more about general leadership lessons from Villanova Athletics (such as Alumni, Parents, etc.)
- Current college students (undergraduate and graduate) seeking to learn more about a career in collegiate athletics.
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE
Choose from 3 registration types.
Cost includes access to all events during the summit, meals, and Villanova swag.
Still don't know which option is for you? Email cps.info@villanova.edu.
OPTION 1: Event Attendance only
$350
$300 for Villanova Alumni with code VUALUMVALS
Details: No credential, no required coursework
OPTION 2: Professional Education Registrant
$550
$500 for Villanova Alumni with code VUALUMVALS
Details: Earn badge and academic record, required coursework after Summit

OPTION 3: 1-credit Course for Villanova Students & Visitors
See Summer Program Rates for one credit*
*rates may change for Summer 2023
Details: Earn certificate and credit, required coursework after Summit
Current Villanova Student
Credit Student Not Enrolled at Villanova
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
The quotes below come from attendees of the inaugural Villanova Athletics Leadership Summit in 2022,
speaking to what they were able to learn from the program and bring to their careers in the industry.

“Coming to events like this and surrounding myself with like-minded individuals and leaders, gleaning from things that they do and philosophies they follow, I can take that back to the young men I serve and be a better leader for them.”

“It was a life-changing experience. Being able to hear from some of the best of the best in terms of leadership was a phenomenal opportunity.”
“It was a great experience. You don’t get something like this every day, especially from such a great university.”

“No matter what you do in athletics, there’s a lot of crossover. You can apply some of the same concepts to anything you do within (the industry).”
“What a great opportunity to learn from another institution. There was so much energy in the room.”
SCHEDULE & SPEAKERS


4:30-5:45 pm - Reception with Dinner and Professional Networking
5:45-6:00 pm - Welcome and Course Introduction
6:00-7:30 pm - Opening Keynote with Discussion
Mark Jackson, Vice President and Director of Athletics
Louis Riddick, ESPN Analyst
8:00 am - Breakfast
8:30-9:45 am - Session 1: Meet the Professor & Academic Session: Interactive Academic Course Session with the professor.
9:45-10:45 am - Session 2 - Panel: Leadership Journeys & Career Pathways
Moderated by Meredith Okenquist, Director of Career Management, Villanova Career Center
Ashwin Puri, Villanova Senior Associate Athletic Director
Brian Papson, Philadelphia Eagles Vice President of Marketing
Brian Cull, Group Vice President, Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
11-11:45 am - Session 3 - Panel: Head Coaches
Marcus O'Sullivan, Head Coach, Villanova Men's Cross Country, Track & Field
Samar Azem, Head Coach, Villanova Women's Soccer
Mike Corrado, Head Coach, Villanova Men's Lacrosse
11:45 am - 12:45 pm - Lunch and Networking
12:50-1:30 pm - Session 4 - Discussion with the professor: How can I bring these lessons back as a leader of my organization?
1:30-1:40 pm - Break with movement: Kevin Miller, Associate Athletics Director for Sports Performance
1:45-2:45 pm - Session 5 - Panel - Current Landscapes in Athletics
Moderated by Meredith Okenquist, Director of Career Management, Villanova Career Center
Lynn Tighe, Villanova Senior Associate Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator
Taylor Hess, Villanova Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, Basketball
Leashia Lewis, Villanova Assistant Athletic Director UNITAS
2:45 - 3:00 pm - Academic Wrap-Up: What's next for coursework
3:00 - 3:30 pm - Closing Speaker
MEET THE FACULTY

BRET MYERS, PHD
Faculty Bio
SUMMIT TOPICS

EVENT SPONSORS

