We asked Adam Skaggs, the associate director of athletics at Suffolk University, a few questions.
Tell us about your path to becoming the Associate AD at Suffolk.
My journey started well before my very own student-athlete experience. My older brother loved his campaign as a collegiate athlete, but it was the off-court experience he enjoyed the most. Work study with his teammates, SAAC, fundraising, community service, etc. I was nearly in disbelief that all of this could take place under one department. As a result, his excitement and involvement helped boost my interest into becoming a college athletics administrator.
The athletics department has participated in a Mental Health First Aid Program. What were the key takeaways and benefits?
We had an amazing turnout with our MHFA course this past fall. Our coaches and staff were locked in and engaged throughout the entire training. Not only was the material educational itself, but the instructors are what made the difference. Their knowledge of the material was truly unmatched and second to none!
Click here to read the remaining questions and answers.
Did You Know?
The following are the latest updates in Division III:
LGTBQ of the Year Awards
The deadline is one month away! The awards annually recognize an honoree in three categories: LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year; LGBTQ Administrator/Coach/Staff of the Year; and the LGBTQ Institution/Conference of the Year. Submit nominations and completed applications by 5 p.m. Eastern time Friday, June 5.
Division III Analysis
The 19-member Division III Analysis Working Group has been collaborating closely with the consultants to move the analysis forward. The membership identified core tensions during the 2026 NCAA Convention that include: economic implications, playing seasons and resource allocation, eligibility considerations, governance structure and presidential engagement, championships selection criteria, and membership standards. Initial insights remain preliminary and will continue to evolve as the working group and consultants conduct additional stakeholder engagements, analyze research and survey data. The Division III analysis webpage is a central resource to stay informed of the analysis. The working group is expected to provide initial recommendations for actionable solutions to the identified tensions by the summer council meetings.
Division III Opportunity Grant Recipients
Twenty-nine institutions and conference offices received Division III opportunity grants in the upcoming cycles of the Pathway to Excellence Grant (23 recipients) and the Strategic Alliance Matching Grant (six recipients). Committees consisting of membership representatives selected the recipients. Successful grant applications encourage the access, recruitment, selection, and long-term success of individuals in Division III athletics administration and coaching.
Athletics Certification
As of April 1, Fall 2026 international student-athlete enrollees can begin requesting final athletics certification in their account. Ensure your incoming international recruits have created the Athletics Certification Account, accurately responded to the sports participation questions, and requested final athletics certification as early as possible. Additionally, you will need to activate these accounts to the 2026-27 IRL cycle. New incoming Division III students must create a Profile Page, per a new Management Council policy, to obtain an NCAA ID number.
Institutions are eligible to receive one fully funded training, which is in effect until Aug. 1, 2027. To schedule a fully funded MHFA training, your athletics directors or head athletic trainer should complete an inquiry form.
Substance Misuse and Problem Gambling. Information about the signs of problem gambling and resources for support for student-athletes and staff.
Social Media and Mental Health. How social media use may impact mental and physical health, safety and performance, as well as strategies for reducing social media related harms for student-athletes and staff.
Interested in serving on an NCAA Division III committee? Check out the current openings and click here for the nomination form.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and across the country NCAA student-athletes, institutions and conferences are creating initiatives and providing resources dedicated to improving and maintaining mental health in student-athletes. Click here to read about some of those resources and initiatives.
NCAA DISC Program
The NCAA has relaunched the NCAA DISC Program, which helps student-athletes, coaches and administrators understand their behavioral styles, use a common language to relate to others and strengthen relationships in team, workplace and athletics settings. Workshops and accompanying assessments are now available on a rolling basis for all NCAA-sponsored sports and divisions.
This email was sent to selected individuals in the NCAA Division III Diversity & Inclusion database, and Division III Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designees based on contact information in the NCAA Directory.
We asked Adam Skaggs, the associate director of athletics at Suffolk University, a few questions. 