GLIAC Leadership Symposium Empowers Future Leaders in Collegiate Athletics
KENOSHA, Wis. – 3/24/2025 – The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) successfully hosted its inaugural Leadership Symposium in Kenosha, Wisconsin, bringing together administrators, coaches, and university personell from across the conference. The event featured insightful discussions, engaging presentations, and valuable networking opportunities designed to foster growth and leadership within collegiate athletics.
The symposium covered a diverse range of topics critical to personal and professional development, including Pathways to Leadership, Mental Health, Self-Promotion & Marketing, and Caretakers in Sport. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from distinguished speakers, including GLIAC Commissioner Kris Dunbar, university chancellors, assistant athletic directors, coaches, and renowned culture consultant Theresa “Tree” Beeckman of Tree Roots Culture Consulting.
Key topics and sessions included:
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Pathways to Leadership: Discussions focused on mentorship and sponsorship, expectations versus reality of mentor/mentee relationships, managing up within an organization, and resilience through lived experiences.
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Mental Health: Experts provided tangible skills related to mindfulness and self-care, recognizing psychological dysregulation, and fostering psychological safety within teams and organizations.
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Self-Promotion & Marketing: Attendees explored effective personal branding, marketing strategies, and professional development tools essential for career advancement.
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Caretakers in Sport: A session dedicated to balancing work-life responsibilities, managing family care while working in athletics, and understanding that personal experiences differ among individuals.
The event culminated with a compelling keynote address from Theresa “Tree” Beeckman, titled Building a Culture that Connects AND Performs. This presentation provided attendees with actionable strategies to cultivate a strong and connected team culture, tailored to the needs of modern student-athletes.
In addition to the educational sessions, multiple networking opportunities allowed participants to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and build valuable professional relationships across the GLIAC community.
“The GLIAC Leadership Symposium was a groundbreaking event for our conference,” said GLIAC Commissioner Kris Dunbar. “As the first of its kind, it provided a unique opportunity for our members to engage in critical conversations, develop leadership skills, and connect with one another in a meaningful way. We look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to support leadership development within the GLIAC.”
The GLIAC remains committed to fostering leadership and personal growth among its members and looks forward to continuing these important conversations in future symposiums.
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