We asked Sam Atkinson, associate AD for Communication at Gallaudet, a few questions.
What does it mean to you to be selected into the NCAA Pathway Program? I am honored and humbled as it is the preeminent leadership program for collegiate athletic administrators.
What do you value most about working at Gallaudet? It has made a profound impact on me. There is no other place like Gallaudet in the world. Working at GU made me learn a new language and culture and work in a different environment. I am constantly comfortable being uncomfortable. Being a hearing individual in a Deaf community has given me perspective that I previously never had.
Click here to read the remaining questions and answers.
Did You Know?
The following are the latest updates in Division III:
Division III LGBTQ of the Year awards
The 2025 LGBTQ of the Year Awards nomination application period is now open. For the award criteria, click here. Visit the NCAA Program Hub to submit nominations until June 1.
2025 NCAA Woman of the Year
Institutions should consider nominating graduating women for the 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year to honor their academic, athletic, community and leadership achievements. Nominations can be submitted through the NCAA Program Hub by any athletics department administrator with an .edu email address but must be approved by the director of athletics and senior woman administrator. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, June 23.
Diversity Grants
Thirty-eight institutions and conference offices have been awarded grants. The full list of recipients can be found here. Next year’s grant cycle opens in Sept. For more information, click here.
Mental Health Program
Division III has engaged the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to fund Division III institutions to receive adult Mental Health First Aid training to support the mental well-being of student-athletes. Institutions are eligible to receive one fully funded training during the program, which is in effect until Aug. 1, 2027. To learn more about the program, click here. To schedule a fully funded Adult MHFA training for your Division III school, athletics directors or athletic trainers should visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ncaa/ to complete an inquiry form.
Additional guidance pertaining to the policy was recently added to the NCAA webpage. The new policy prohibits individuals assigned male at birth from competing on women’s teams. Any previous policies that permitted mixed team competition against a women’s team are now void.
Opportunities and News to Share!
Division III Committee Vacancies
Interested in serving on an NCAA Division III committee? Check out the current openingsand click here for the nomination form.
Eligibility Center Updates
Will your international recruits be ready to play this fall? Ensure they request their final amateurism certification from the Eligibility Center. Click here to learn more about this quick process and help ensure recruits are ready to compete.
2025 Regional Rules Seminar
Mark your calendars for the Regional Rules Seminar happening May 28-30 in Indianapolis. Plan your seminar schedule by viewing the Division III Daily Schedule and know all Division III sessions will be live streamed.
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.
