Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Since its inception in 1997, the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum has transformed the lives of over 5,000 student-athletes through its comprehensive personal and professional development program. The forum offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes to enhance their leadership abilities, gain a deeper understanding of how personal values and core beliefs influence behavior, and establish a supportive network of peers.

STUDENT-ATHLETE PROFILES AND EXPECTATIONS
This season, Tuskegee University sophomore Akierah Walker turned heads as a member of the women's cross country and track and field teams. 

The Mississippi native competed in the 2023 Cricket SIAC Cross Country Championship, where she was named to the 2023 SIAC All-Conference Team after conquering the 5k at 22:46.4, the second-fastest time for the Golden Tigers.

"This achievement showcased my potential beyond my initial expectations due to hard work," Walker expressed. "It also allowed me to demonstrate to my teammates that if we all share the same amount of determination, we can accomplish many goals together."

Walker looks forward to attending the forum and aims to obtain guidance that will assist her in strengthening her leadership skills.

"The forum will be a great opportunity to learn about leading diverse groups and enhancing my leadership skills," Walker said. "I hope to gain more insight on how to become a more effective leader, on and off the track. I also hope to gain further perspective when it comes to understanding different experiences one may have as a student-athlete."

Jarrel Rosser looks to enhance his understanding of leadership and the NCAA after a resilient, yet challenging season with the Golden Bears.

"This season I have progressed as a leader by being a positive force, while myself as well as my teammates battled injuries," Rosser explained. "I was able to help by just keeping my team, as well as myself, positive and motivated each day to prevail and get to our end goal."

The senior forward maintains an active schedule off the court as well, holding vice-presidential roles in both the Miles College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Delta Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Rosser credits his mentor, successful entrepreneur Dale Thornton, a Miles College alum, with being a positive example in his life and taking him under his wing. "He guided me and motivated me to get up every day, to be great, and to push toward your goals even when nobody is looking," Rosser said.

Thornton presented Rosser with a $5,000 scholarship in Aug. 2023, made possible through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, National Black McDonald's Operators Association and Dr Pepper.

Senior Nuriyah Slaton looks to gather insights that will positively influence her roles as a student-athlete and young professional.

"This season, I developed as a leader by setting a good example, acting with integrity and encouraging teamwork and creativity,” Slayton said. “During my tenure as president of the Miles College SAAC, I made it my goal to encourage greater community involvement among all of the players, demonstrating to them that despite having a rigorous academic and athletic schedule, I am still able to lend a helpful hand." 

Slaton has served as the captain of Miles College's women's basketball team since her freshman year.  “I take great satisfaction in setting an example, carrying out the proper procedures, and demonstrating the power of discipline, dependability, and trustworthiness."

Slaton looks to her first role models, her parents, for leadership, guidance, and credits them for her strengths in integrity, responsibility, compassion and resilience.

“Through their actions and guidance, my parents instilled values and life skills and provided support during challenges,” Slayton recalled. I have observed how my parents navigate family dynamics, make decisions and prioritize responsibilities to help shape my understanding of leadership, whether it's managing conflicts, balancing priorities or leading by example, the lessons learned from my parents' leadership influenced my approach to leadership in various contexts, including academics, careers and communities."

Associate Commissioner Alexandra Brown shared her excitement for the upcoming forum, stating, "I am thrilled to accompany our student-athletes to the 2024 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. This four-day event allows our student-athletes to grow, develop and hone their leadership skills while networking and interacting with administrators and national SAAC members."

The SIAC has seen a notable increase in SAAC participation this year, demonstrating a growing commitment to leadership development under the banner of #LeadersRiseHere. 

The conference anticipates that its delegates will return with enhanced capabilities, ready to positively impact their teams and communities.
 

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