Mid-American Conference

Cleveland, Ohio -- In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mid-American Conference (MAC) will provide an educational enhancement opportunity for its student-athletes. The Transformative Leadership Badge Program has been created at the recommendation from Miami University President Dr. Greg Crawford and with the unanimous endorsement of the MAC Council of Presidents. The inaugural program will be held July 13-17 and will focus on holistic human development.
 
A total of 20 professors across multiple institutions have volunteered to teach each course and will provide this opportunity to 316 registered student-athletes from throughout the conference. This week-long opportunity will empower student-athletes to identify their own strengths & weaknesses, grow in personal leadership capacities and will establish habits of thought and action that will position themselves for success in any environment. 
 
“Our incredible, innovative MAC institutions have stepped up with a powerful tool to enhance our student-athletes’ opportunities in the midst of these challenging times,” said President Crawford. “The MAC professors’ great collaboration and work will ensure the MAC student-athletes are empowered for life beyond college as leaders in our dynamic and fast-transforming world. The MAC membership continues to dedicate resources that boost student-athlete growth and progress. This passion for student-athlete success is at the heart of the MAC. The educational initiative demonstrates the powerful and collaborative spirit of our unique and forward-looking conference.”
 
The badges that will be offered throughout the week include those in entrepreneurship, digital & data, creativity & design thinking, diversity & inclusion and human-centered change leadership. Student-athletes are encouraged to take whichever program they desire and will earn a badge for each completed course. Completing all five courses will earn student-athletes a certificate in Transformative Leadership. 
 
“The Transformational Leadership Badge program will provide additional experiential opportunities during such an unprecedented time,” said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher. “I am thankful for the contributions of our faculty who will be providing our student-athletes with experiences and mentoring that will be invaluable in their future professional lives. The number of student-athletes participating in this initial offering exceed my expectations. This is another example of Taking MACtion to the next level.”
 
Starting Monday, the MAC will highlight each badge on its social media platforms and will share video comments from select professors that will be teaching the courses throughout the week. Be sure to follow along on Twitter (@MACSports) & Facebook (@GetSomeMACtion) for more on next week’s badge program.