ATLANTA — The SIAC will be represented by five athletics administrators at the 2025 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics & Affiliates Convention, June 7-11, at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Fla.
The NACDA & Affiliates Convention is devoted to examining contemporary issues facing today's athletics administrators and is one of six annual events hosted by NACDA. The convention caters to administrators in all levels of intercollegiate athletics with general sessions for the entire membership and breakout sessions which are geared to the specific needs of administrators in different areas of the athletics department.
DR. IVANA RICH, EDWARD WATERS UNIVERSITY
Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Dr. Ivana M. Rich was named the 10th full-time associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at
Edward Waters University in October 2022. She is also the first female director of intercollegiate athletics in the more than 155-year history of EWU.
Edward Waters has achieved historic milestones under Rich’s leadership, including being selected to host the 2027 NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Championship and the 2028 NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships. These events will be the first Division II championships held in Jacksonville, Fla.
The announcement preceded Rich’s appointment to the Visit Jacksonville Board of Directors, which was made public in January 2025.
SESSION INFORMATION
Organization: Minority Opportunities Athletic Association
Session: MOAA Breakout/Skills Session 3 – What Got You Here Won’t Take You There
Role: Panelist
PRE-SESSION Q & A
Q: How do you believe the upcoming session will impact participants and contribute to the broader collegiate athletics landscape?
Rich: This session will empower emerging sports professionals to embrace leadership challenges, foster a culture of continuous growth, and inspire others, ultimately strengthening the foundation and future of collegiate athletics.
Q: The breakout session “What Got You Here Won’t Take You There” focuses on leadership development and the importance of continuous growth. What is one of your proudest accomplishments of 2024–25?
Rich: One of my proudest accomplishments is the addition of The N.E.S.T., (Nurturing, Empowering and Supporting Tigers), the student-athlete wellness room. This dedicated space is designed to nurture not just the physical, but also the mental and emotional well-being of student-athletes. The N.E.S.T. offers a comprehensive environment featuring meditation areas, quiet reflection spaces, a wellness resource library, and opportunities for workshops and small group sessions. Amenities like massage chairs, art therapy resources, and sensory tools help student-athletes manage stress, practice mindfulness, and prioritize their overall wellness. By providing these resources, EWU is not only addressing current mental health trends but also setting a new standard for student-athlete support.
JOSEPH ARNOLD, CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
Deputy Athletic Director for Compliance and Sports Administration
Joseph Arnold serves as the deputy athletic director for compliance and sports administration at
Clark Atlanta University, where he leads compliance and leadership functions and guides initiatives with a focus on day-to-day operations and fiscal responsibility. Nationally, Arnold serves on the NCAA Division II Strategic Planning and Finance Committee. He is a graduate of the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, an upcoming graduate of the NCAA Pathway Program and the 2025 recipient of the NAAC Division II Excellence Award.
SESSION INFORMATION
Organization: National Association for Athletics Compliance
Session: NAAC Breakout Session – When Things Get Icky (Challenging Situations)
Role: Speaker
PRE-SESSION Q & A
Q: How does your role in this session highlight you, as a professional, and Clark Atlanta University?
Arnold: As cliché as it sounds—both personally and professionally—it means a lot to be at a point in my career where my words and experiences are valued on a national stage, all while representing and elevating Clark Atlanta University. It’s a moment of deep gratitude, and truly, a testament to intentionality and manifesting—putting in the work day by day, and now being able to pour that back into the industry in a meaningful way. This panel highlights what I’ve committed to as a leader at CAU—having a personable approach while being solutions based—and is a reflection of the trust our leadership has placed into our administration as that approach has led to significant success regardless of the playing surface and beyond the classroom. The way we approach challenging scenarios with our students, coaches, and staff shapes our culture—and our impact. So to be invited to share that approach on a broader platform not only reflects my growth as a professional, but it also puts a spotlight on the student-athlete experience we're uplifting at CAU every day.
Q: How do you believe this session will impact collegiate athletics today?
Arnold: I think this session is going to be really helpful because it provides both perspective and insight. The reality is—we all deal with tough situations in this industry and the constant evolution of the landscape doesn't make it any easier. Outside of the obvious differences in resources, the challenges might seem different than what they truly are and the approaches to how we can handle them are more similar in nature. That’s why conversations like this matter. They give people a chance to hear different perspectives, learn new strategies, and walk away with tools they can actually use in their own environments. My hope is that folks leave this session feeling a little more confident in how they approach hard conversations—whether it’s with a student-athlete, coach, or colleague—and that they realize they can lead through those moments without compromising who they are or what they stand for. It’s about being authentic, personal, and leading with intention. And honestly, it's a reminder that they are not alone with their struggles of trying to figure all of this out.
DEBORAH RODGERS, TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
Deputy Chief Athletics Director and Compliance / Senior Woman Administrator
Deborah Rodgers was named deputy chief athletic director at
Tuskegee University in September 2022, where she serves as the compliance liaison for the institution, among her many duties. This position continues a progression for Rodgers, who has built a storied career in the SIAC as a student-athlete, coach and administrator.
Rodgers was appointed to the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association
Board of Directors in February 2024.
SESSION INFORMATION
Organizations: Minority Opportunities Athletic Association and National Collegiate Athletic Association
Session: MOAA/NCAA Division II Governance Academy – MOAA Board Members Leadership Panel
Role: Panelist
PRE-SESSION Q & A
Q: As a member of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Board of Directors, how has this role expanded your impact in collegiate athletics?
Rodgers: My position within MOAA allows me to serve on a national level for diversity, equity, and inclusion and share my experiences at HBCUs like Tuskegee University.
Q: How does your participation in the upcoming session highlight your current position, your institution and support women leading in collegiate spaces?
Rodgers: My participation in the upcoming panel directly reflects the responsibilities of my role—creating spaces for dialogue, sharing best practices, and championing leadership development for minority professionals, particularly women. Representing Tuskegee University on this platform enhances our national visibility. This opportunity aligns with my personal mission which is to empower women in leadership by highlighting their critical role in intercollegiate athletics. We are breaking barriers, and it is my hope that my voice on this panel will support and uplift current and aspiring women leaders.
DR. KRISTENE KELLY, ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY
Director of Athletics
Dr. Kristene Kelly was named director of athletics at
Albany State University in July 2023. A native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Kelly boasts over 20 years of experience in collegiate sports across all three NCAA divisions. Her impact is evident across all facets of ASU Athletics, from enhancing facilities and securing resources to fostering a culture of excellence, integrity and opportunity for student-athletes, coaches and staff.
With expertise in NCAA compliance, Title IX, athletic fundraising, and managing budgets exceeding $2 million, Kelly has guided athletic programs to national recognition while maintaining a focus on student-athlete success.
SESSION INFORMATION
Organization: National Association of Athletic Ticket Sales and Operations
Session: NAATSO General Session – The Climb: Women Rising in College Athletics
Role: Panelist
Organization: National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators
Session: NACMA Personal and Professional Development Panel: Listening and Leading: The Art of Navigating Varied Communication Styles – Sponsored by Teamwork Tickets
Role: Panelist
PRE-SESSION Q & A
Q: As a featured panelist for "The Climb," how does this session reflect your journey and serve as a platform to champion the role of women in collegiate athletics?
Kelly: "The Climb" speaks to the real work, the grit, and the grace it takes for women to rise in this industry. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it, especially when we can reach back and help the next person up. Being a part of these panels is an opportunity to highlight what’s possible when women lead with purpose. I’m grateful to share space with others who understand the unique challenges, and the rewards, of this work. Whether it’s talking about leadership or how we connect across different communication styles, it’s all about being intentional, building relationships, and staying true to who you are. It’s also about showing that Golden Rams belong in every room where decisions are being made.
Q: Your second panel session, "Listening and Leading: The Art of Navigating Varied Communication Styles," focuses on how leaders adapt and connect. Why is this conversation so important, and how does navigating different communication styles contribute to effective leadership?
Kelly: If you’re going to lead people, you have to be able to communicate with them, on their level, not just yours. It’s not about changing who you are, it’s about being aware, being flexible, and making sure the message lands. That’s where trust is built.
Q: You wear the Blue and Gold with pride! How do you utilize these opportunities to amplify the voice of Albany State University and the broader ASU community?
Kelly: Anytime I sit on a panel or walk into a room, I’m not just showing up as Kristene Kelly, I’m representing Albany State University and everything we stand for. It’s an honor and a responsibility. I want people to see that ASU is producing leaders, setting standards, and doing the work with excellence and purpose. I don’t take that lightly. When I speak, it’s with the weight of our student-athletes, our coaches, and our community behind me.
KEVICIA BROWN, CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
Director of Athletics
Kevicia Brown was named director of athletics at
Central State University in February 2023. Brown has overseen significant advancements since taking the helm, including facility additions and upgrades, new leadership appointments, enhanced community service initiatives, a stronger digital presence and increased program success.
CSU has also achieved historic milestones under her leadership, including participation in the inaugural Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic.
Brown was recently appointed to the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Board of Directors. Her appointment will be confirmed following this year’s MOAA Symposium at the NACDA & Affiliates Convention.
SESSION INFORMATION
Organization: Minority Opportunities Athletic Association
Session: Breakout/Skills Session 3 – What Got You Here Won't Take You There
Role: Moderator
Organization: Minority Opportunities Athletic Association
Event: MOAA Awards Luncheon and Keynote
Role: Moderator
PRE-SESSION Q & A
Q: Your role at this year’s MOAA Symposium includes moderating two of the organization’s key events. How did these opportunities come about, and was there a selection process?
Brown: There wasn’t a formal selection process for my moderator roles during the MOAA Symposium, rather, it was a call to serve, and I was honored to answer it. This year, I’m excited to moderate the breakout session "What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There," which will focus on equipping professionals with strategies to elevate their careers and navigate leadership growth. I had the pleasure of being a panelist for "The Chair" last year, which was a meaningful experience and allowed me to share and learn alongside fellow senior leaders in the field. In addition to the breakout session, I had the privilege of serving on the MOAA Symposium Committee, where I supported in the planning and execution of key components of the event; particularly working with speakers and helping craft an experience that informs and inspires. That service has led to another humbling opportunity: moderating the MOAA Awards Luncheon and Keynote, where I look forward to helping spotlight the incredible accomplishments of leaders across our profession.
Q: With your recent appointment to the MOAA Board of Directors, how do you plan to contribute to the organization over the next three years?
Brown: As I begin my term on the MOAA Board, I do so with deep appreciation and purpose. Being a member of MOAA has played a pivotal role in my growth. The Rising Star program provided professional development that helped prepare me for my current position as Athletic Director. Beyond that, MOAA has connected me with mentors, peers, and friends who look like me, share my values, and are committed to lifting each other up. Serving and volunteering at the Symposium has strengthened those relationships and deepened my commitment to giving back. Over the next three years, I look forward to helping expand leadership development opportunities, mentoring emerging professionals, and ensuring MOAA remains a place where minority administrators can grow, lead, and thrive. I’m proud to serve and help shape the next chapter of this important work.
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and seven women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit
www.thesiac.com.