The Leader in Small College Athletics Professional Development
* Programming designed to facilitate growth for small college athletic administrators.
* Cohort approach encouraging networking and group growth.
* Structured mentorship connecting relatively new AD's with veterans in the industry.
BOSCA Leadership Academy
Spring 2025 Cohort Registration Open
Academy Sessions begin January 27, 2025
Cohort is limited to the first 20 registrants.
Since 2012, The Business of Small College Athletics (BOSCA) has been the leader in providing professional development programming for athletic administrators at non Division I colleges and universities. BOSCA has provided more than 200 presentations through in-person workshops and virtual sessions geared specifically to meet the needs of D2, NAIA, D3, and NJCAA athletic departments.
I started BOSCA because I saw the need for more focused professional development opportunities for administrators in small college athletic departments. I remember clearly my first year or two as an Athletic Director and how ill-prepared and overwhelmed I felt at times. I would have loved to have a built in group of mentors and allies to help me figure out how I should be approaching my job and achieving departmental priorities. The BOSCA Leadership Academy is designed to do just that.
Advanced Leadership Training for Athletic Directors
The BOSCA Leadership Academy is a one of a kind educational program designed to expedite the growth and development of collegiate Athletic Directors and better prepare them to navigate the challenges of leading an athletic department and contributing on the conference and national level. The academy will provide structured mentorship, a close-knit cohort of peers to connect with, and monthly learning and networking opportunities focused on developing and honing the practical skills necessary for success in athletic administration.
The academy cohort will be limited to 20 participants. Participants should be athletic directors or senior level athletic administrators at non Division I institutions. Virtual class sessions will be held beginning in September 2024 and concluding by December, 2024. Participants will receive access to the BOSCA library containing key takeaway materials, one on one mentor opportunities, and class curriculum materials.
TUITION
BOSCA Leadership Academy – Includes 5 virtual class sessions, access to the BOSCA library for key takeaways, and one on one mentoring. COST - $595
BOSCA Leadership Academy Plus - Includes 5 virtual class sessions, access to the BOSCA library, one on one mentoring plus discounted registration to the 2025 BOSCA Workshop. COST - $995
BOSCA Leadership Academy
Programming
Leadership – Developing a culture of success in your department.
Human Resources – Evaluating, hiring, and developing staff.
Fundraising – Maximizing external revenue programs.
Internal and External Communication Strategies.
Creating effective policies and procedures for your department.
Crisis Management and Problem Solving
Strategic Planning – Creating a vision for the future of your department.
Enrollment Management Strategies – Sport Sponsorship and Maximizing Return on Investment.
Navigating the Budget Process.
Engagement at the Conference and National Level
Leadership Academy Faculty
Jim Abbott - Founder of BOSCA & former Athletic Director at Oklahoma City University.
John Phillips - Athletic Director (retired) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Sessions will include other veteran administrators as guest faculty.
Questions?
Contact Jim Abbott
(405) 208-9133
As a new Athletic Director, the timing and content of the BOSCA Leadership Academy could not have come at a better time. The curriculum challenged me to think critically about how we are building our program here at Rocky Mountain College, and was a great way to connect with other small college administrators. Jim Abbott and John Phillips' experience and passion for small college athletics helped provide me with much needed confidence, as I took on the challenges of running an athletic department for the first time. I am a better AD because of this program and would highly recommend it to any small college administrator wanting to make their department better!"
Jim Klemann, Athletic Director - Rocky Mountain College
“I have been blessed to have a mentor and friend in Jim Abbott, whom I met over 8 years ago at my first BOSCA event in 2013. Pursuing a new career path from 15 years of coaching to full time athletics administrator, Jim took me under his wing and has been a valuable resource in my success. Jim and the network of professionals I met through BOSCA were one phone call away to help me navigate the challenges as a new athletic director. BOSCA is a first-class workshop filled with sharing, learning, and networking that transforms leaders. The impact on BOSCA attendees has been life-changing. Jim has discovered what matters most in life, which is to reach beyond himself and to invest his life in empowering others to fulfill their potential as athletic administrators. There is no question in my mind that any person who is wishing to grow as an athletic administrator should participate in the BOSCA Leadership Academy. Without Jim’s mentorship, I would not be where I am today.”
Jeff Bussell, Athletic Director – Vanguard University