BOWIE, Md. - Dr. Marie Brown, Academic Enhancement Advisor for student-athletes in the Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Department, was one of 30 athletic administrators selected to participate in the NCAA Leadership Academy Workshop (LAW) Part I. It was held September 23- 25, 2018 at the NCAA National Office in Indianapolis, Ind.

Prior to the workshop each LAW participant had to complete a Pre-Workshop LAW Participant Audit, Crucial Conversations: Communication under Stress & Dialogue Skill Assessments, Gallup's Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment; and other required readings and Ted Talk videos on leadership development.

Throughout the course of the three days, lead facilitators from The Director of Leadership and Global Innovation, Institute for Sport and Social Justice, Cooper Athletics Leadership Program, at Georgetown University and Baylor University created a transformational experience with a multiplier effect. They empowered us with the knowledge, and plan, to build a sustainable leadership development program on our campuses. They challenged us to go beyond our comfort zone, be engaged and stay focused with the end in mind. We explored best practices, research, and theories in leadership development while learning new ways of thinking through "hands-on", active learning infused with engagement. We also created a framework for our leadership program and an implementation plan.

Brown received several books courtesy of the NCAA, to include: The Handbook for Student-Leadership Development, Strength Based Leadership, and Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, which are valuable tools needed in leadership development. LAW Part II will take place December 2-4, 2018, in Orlando, Fla..