Identifying the role of student-athlete leadership development in Division II athletics

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jennifer Ruth Cole (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Diane Gill

Abstract: This study investigated leadership development opportunities in one Division II conference (DIIConf). The primary purpose of this study was to determine the capacity of member institutions to offer leadership development programming. The secondary aim in this study was to investigate the congruence between mission statements of DIIConf athletic departments and deliberate strategies employed. I also explored the perceptions of student-athletes who participated in leadership development programming provided by their athletic department. Measures included a questionnaire to gather data from athletic administrators and head coaches (N=74) followed by a descriptive analysis of results. Data regarding student-athlete leadership development listed on each athletic department’s website were collected. A content analysis was performed to determine how athletic departments address leadership development. A questionnaire was also sent to student-athletes (n=158) at one of the DIIConf member institutions to determine perceptions of available leadership opportunities. This study revealed the importance of DIIConf athletic departments creating mission statements that reflect their goals and priorities. Findings suggest athletic departments in this study may benefit from mobilizing internal and external resources as a way to maximize capacity for student-athlete leadership development opportunities. More research is needed to determine other effective methods for Division II institutions to provide leadership development training as well as the impact of such methods.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2019
Keywords
Athletics, Division II, Leadership, Student-athlete
Subjects
College sports
College athletes
Leadership $x Study and teaching (Higher)
College student development programs

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