i Jeffrey L. Engbers Health Exercise and Sports Science This ...

Three themes emerged from the responses when asked about what would best
prepare future ADs for a position at a Division III Institution. First, ADs at Division III
Institutions should understand how Division III athletic departments tend to operate, and
have an appreciation for the philosophy of athletics at this level. Second, while Division
III Institutions are unified in the mission of the student coming before the athlete, there is
still a wide range of differences among missions of Division III athletic programs. Third,
ADs at Division III institutions face many responsibilities and are forced to wear a
variety of hats.
It was recommended that experience at Division III Institutions and coaching at
the collegiate level would best prepare future Division III ADs. It was also suggested that
sport management programs should focus on preparing students in budget and finance,
personnel and human resources, and developing people skills.
The results of this study provide a foundation for future NCAA Division III
studies. A current description of Division III AD and AD challenges emerged from this
study. Current ADs, athletic departments, and Division III Institutions may benefit from
knowing the typical person employed as AD at Division III Institutions and the
challenges this person tends to be confronted with.
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