Champion Magazine feature on mentoring program (2019)

INDIANAPOLIS (May 22, 2020) – Director of Athletics Rachel Burleson and Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Jeanette McKillop have both been selected to participate in the NCAA Division II Athletic Directors Association Women and Minorities Mentoring Program, as announced recently by the NCAA.

The program will run throughout the 2020-21 academic year and consists of 10 mentors, who will be paired with 10 mentees. Per a 2019 Champion Magazine feature on the program: “The program pairs each participant with a Division II athletics director who serves as a mentor. Participants attend an orientation at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, participate in monthly webinars, visit their mentor’s school, and cap off the year with a graduation at the annual convention of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.” This year’s orientation will be held virtually, rather than in Indianapolis, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am extremely excited and thrilled to be selected to participate in the DII ADA Mentoring program,” said McKillop, who will be participating as a mentee. “I am looking forward to learning, engaging, and networking with the many talented administrators and associates that are involved in this initiative.”

The program began in 2011-12, and the Franklin Pierce duo is set to establish a bit of history this year. It will mark the first time two members of the same institution have participated in the program simultaneously.

Also per Champion, the program has produced more than 75 graduates since its inception, including 10 who have gone on to land jobs as athletic directors. One of those 10 is Burleson, who completed the program in 2013, and will now return to it to serve as a mentor.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as a mentor for the DII ADA Women and Minorities Mentoring Program,” said Burleson. “Having been through the program as a mentee, I know firsthand the value and incredible foundation the program offers. I am happy to have the opportunity to assist in building leadership for the future of NCAA DII and our amazing student-athletes.”

The program is scheduled to begin with its virtual orientation in July and will continue with monthly webinars throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (https://www.fpuravens.com). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics’ official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics’ online store (http://www.shopfpuravens.com).