Governance and Leadership Academy Q&A
Last updated December 9, 2025
What is the Governance and Leadership Academy (GLA)?
Hosted by NAIA Rise, the Governance and Leadership Academy (GLA) identifies and uplifts professionals who are ready to rise up and reach toward leadership in the association.
Geared toward women, minorities, or individuals new to the NAIA, but open to anyone, GLA provides insights into administration basics, NAIA governance, industry hot topics, and leadership skills.
This one-day, high-impact program is held annually in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention. The 2026 GLA will take place friday, April 10, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
When will GLA be held this year?
GLA will be held on the first day of the NAIA National Convention on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, Muehlebach Tower.
What topics will be covered?
GLA has previously covered various topics, including NAIA governance, committee service, eligibility, compliance, fundraising, marketing, effective communication, mentorship, and creating welcoming environments for diverse/underrepresented student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and staff. Specific topics vary each year.
Who is invited to attend GLA?
GLA attendance is capped at 50 participants, with each conference sending any two individuals who are currently employed by an NAIA institution or conference office. Ideal nominees include those who are:
- New to the NAIA
- Interested in or new to athletics administration
- Seeking involvement beyond their campus
Previous attendees have included administrators, staff, coaches, and graduate assistants. Please note, undergraduate students will not be accepted unless they work as staff members, administrators, or coaches in the athletics department.
How do conferences select their GLA attendees?
Each conference selects any two individuals to participate in the GLA. Individuals working within athletics, regardless of title, can be nominated by their institution and selected by their conference to attend. This includes administrators, staff, coaches, and graduate assistants; undergraduate students will not be accepted unless they work as staff members, administrators, or coaches in the athletics department. GLA attendees should specifically be interested in starting, transitioning, or advancing in a career within athletics administration.
Ideal nominees include those who are:
- New to the NAIA
- Interested in or new to athletics administration
- Seeking involvement beyond their campus
Individuals interested in attending should contact their athletics director and/or conference commissioner for more information, as the selection process may differ for each conference.
When is the deadline for conferences to submit their participants?
Conferences must submit their participants through this form by January 31, 2026.
Individual attendees will receive an invitation to confirm their attendance by registering for the event. They will receive the invitation via email and must complete registration by February 6, 2026.
Who pays for GLA attendance?
No payment is needed for GLA attendance. However, individuals may still need to pay for travel and/or lodging if required. In some cases, an individual’s conference or institution may be able to cover the costs associated with travel. Attendees should contact their athletics director and/or conference commissioner for more information.
Where should GLA participants stay, and how do they reserve their room?
articipants (or the institution/conference responsible for making the reservation) are encouraged to reserve their rooms through the convention hotel link, which will be available at www.NAIA.org/convention.