NCAA

Congratulations to our Director of the Office of Legal Affairs, Jared Tidemann, for being named a Finalist for the President's Award! Jared is a respected advisor and proven leader within the NCAA, guiding the Association through complex legal challenges while providing critical counsel on sports betting regulations and high-profile litigation matters. Known for his reliability, integrity, and commitment to the NCAA mission, Jared is sought out by colleagues and membership alike for his sound judgment and collaborative approach. Thank you for all your hard work, and congratulations on this honor!

Shoutout to Clint Hangebrauck, Managing Director of Enterprise Risk Management, for speaking at the ADWEEK pop-up event at the US Open to increase awareness about the sports betting harassment landscape and our efforts at the NCAA to combat this behavior and drive change! 📸 Ivan Piedra Photography

Congratulations to Natalie Steger for being a Finalist for the President's Award! Natalie, Associate Director of Championships and Alliances, Broadcast Services, has made a lasting impact over her 12 years at the NCAA. She played a key role in negotiating the landmark ESPN media rights deal covering 40 championships, activated marketing for the record-breaking Women’s Final Four, and managed CBS/Turner responsibilities for the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, all while leading with humility and collaboration. A champion for women’s sports and a trusted colleague, Natalie’s leadership continues to elevate NCAA championships and inspire those around her.

2015-16 PGIP Lauren Gilligan credits the PGIP program for playing a major role in her career development. She now works as the Assistant Commissioner of Championships and Sport Administration at the West Coast Conference! 🔗 Apply today: on.ncaa.com/PGIP26 📌 Applications are open now through Sept. 12 📍 Internship runs June 2026–May 2027 in Indianapolis #NCAALearnLead

Join us in congratulating Keke L. for being a Finalist for the President's Award! Keke Liu, Director of Research for Data Management, brings a global perspective and a passion for student success. Over more than a decade, she has led transformative projects, including uncovering overlooked enrollment gaps in the Division I Academic Performance Program, shaping new legislation with her team’s research, and advancing initiatives like the Graduation Passport. Keke’s work elevates research quality, informs policy, and strengthens the student-athlete experience. Congratulations to Keke on being celebrated for her leadership, integrity, and impact across the NCAA!

Congratulations to Melody Lawrence, Assistant Director of Internal and Member Communications - Award & Programs, for being a Finalist for the President's Award! For 21 years, Melody has strengthened the NCAA’s mission through her leadership and collaboration. She has elevated the NCAA Convention, advanced the Habitat for Humanity partnership, and streamlined the Woman of the Year award process with a new selection committee, all while stepping into expanded roles to ensure success during times of transition. Melody’s ability to create memorable experiences for student-athletes and colleagues alike makes her a truly deserving nominee for the NCAA President’s Award.

Join us in congratulating Deatrice Kennedy, our Associate Director of Enforcement, on being nominated as one of the five finalists for the NCAA President's Award! Dee uplifts everyone around her with grace, poise and love. She is committed to protecting the integrity of college sports — leading investigations with grit, diplomacy and compassion. Her deep belief in the collegiate athletics model and her background in academics make her an empathetic and informed leader. Beyond her investigative work, Dee fosters a culture of support, serving on multiple employee engagement groups and leading with optimism and care. Dee’s words say it best: “When I think about the legacy I want to leave behind, it’s simple: a legacy of love.” Thank you, Dee, for the impact you make across the NCAA and in the lives of so many.

Thankful for all those working in collegiate athletics and making the lives of our student-athletes better each day. Happy #LaborDay!

Shoutout to Jeffrey Stoll for representing the NCAA at the 2025 National Sports Safety and Security Conference in San Antonio! Jeff, Associate Director of Championships and Alliances, focuses on safety and security for the vast majority of our NCAA championships.  - In San Antonio, he co-presented a breakout session titled “Chaos or Tradition? The Future of Field Storming and Court Rushes”.  - He was also recognized at the event for earning the Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) designation—an elite certification held by only 146 professionals nationwide.   - In addition, Jeff began a two-year term in January as co-chair of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security’s Intercollegiate Advisory Committee. Congratulations, and thank you for all your hard work! 💙

2022-23 PGIP Natasha Reyes reflects on her time at the National Office, and how her PGIP journey at the NCAA led her to becoming Director of Partnerships at Sport Oregon! 🔗 Apply today: on.ncaa.com/PGIP26 📌 Applications are open now through Sept. 12 📍 Internship runs June 2026–May 2027 in Indianapolis #NCAALearnLead