PITTSBURGH, PA. – The United States Collegiate Athletic Association held its 2024 National Convention from June 2nd - 4th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at The Sheraton at Station Square. The annual meeting brought together member institutions from around the country to discuss current issues and bring forth ideas and legislation to improve the organization.
The National Convention began with the annual Hall of Fame dinner on Sunday evening with the induction of five new members. The 2024 USCAA Hall of Fame Class inductees were; Andrea Watkins (Penn State Lehigh Valley), Jessica Monzyk (ACPHS), Kevin Carr (Vermont Tech), Andy Kirschner (Penn State Beaver) and Dale Plummer (Williamson College of the Trades).
The night featured an opening reception with USCAA members, staff, and the Hall of Fame class preceding dinner and the award ceremony. The guest speaker on the evening was Class of 2022 Inductee and Athletic Director at Southern Maine Community College, Matt Richards and the emcee for the evening was Mr. Mike Davis, local radio personality and the commissioner of the New South Athletic Conference who are hopeful to align in the USCAA in the coming years.
Following the Hall of Fame reception, members in attendance were invited to participate in the 9th annual USCAA Cornhole Tournament, where USCAA COO, BJ Bertges and Penn State Beaver Athletic Director, Andy Kirschner returned to defend their title run from last year and were crowned as this year’s champions.
On Monday afternoon the opening session of the convention was held. Features included the State of the Association from Chief Operating Officer, BJ Bertges and the Championships Report from Jared Sullenberger. In addition to the annual reports the Association honored its End of Year Award winners. Johnson & Wales Charlotte was crowned the Director’s Cup Champion, Carlow University reclaimed the President’s Cup title for the 2023-24 academic year and Patrick Quest (Christendom College) was named the Garth Pleasant Athletic Director of the Year.
Following the opening session the USCAA offered two professional development sessions that included, “Building a Team Culture of Inclusion & Belonging” presented by Derrick Shoffner and Alegra Elson from Vibrant Pittsburgh, “Impact of AI on Student Athletes and College Athletics” presented by Dr. Morgan Frank from the University of Pittsburgh.
Following the two professional development opportunities were the Town Hall meetings for ratings/selections and championships. Complete meeting videos are linked below. The subcommittees for ratings/selections and championships also met during the Convention to file their recommendations based on discussion from these sessions. Those recommendations will be distributed in the coming months.
After the first Town Hall session, two more professional development sessions were offered, “Best Practices in Hiring and Staff Evaluation” presented by Michelle Buczkowski from Duquense Light Company and “Using NCSA & Front Rush Software to Maximize Recruiting” presented by Cecilia Brandon from NCSA.
Following the two professional development sessions was the second Town Hall session which focused on the legislation proposed by membership. This session featured topics ranging from housekeeping items to more in-depth topics.
After the second Town Hall session, two more professional development sessions were offered, “Best Practices in Hiring and Staff Evaluation” presented by Michelle Buczkowski from Duquense Light Company and “Using NCSA & Front Rush Software to Maximize Recruiting” presented by Cecilia Brandon from NCSA.
On Monday evening attendees were given the option to participate in a putt putt competition at Putt Shack in Pittsburgh’s Strip District or take a ride on the Burgh Bus. This private tour takes you around the city and is hosted by a local comedian.
Tuesday continued this year’s Professional Development Series with four more opportunities to view presenters. Jared Sullenberger from the USCAA National Office started the morning with a presentation on the “Importance of Funding SID Positions & Proper Statistical Reporting”. That was followed up with “How to Sell Athletics to your President” presented by Mike Fischer of YCCC, “Reliability, Stability and Speed: A Key Focus of Your Teams” presented by Sean Eisner of Presto Sports and “Introduction to Grant Finding” presented by Alicia Pelfrey and Christi Miller from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
The full line up of topics and speakers can be found below and all recordings online at www.uscaasportsnetwork.com. For those in attendance, you can request the recordings by contacting the National Office. Those not in attendance can purchase each session for a small fee.
Building a Team Culture of Inclusion and Belonging
Impact of AI on Student-Athletes and College Athletics
Best Practices in Hiring & Staff Evaluation
Using NCSA & Front Rush Software to Maximize Recruiting
Importance of funding SID Positions Proper Statistical Reporting for USCAA Institutions
How to Sell Athletics to your President
Reliability, Stability, and Speed: A Key Focus of Your Teams - and Ours!
Introduction to Finding Grants
The Convention was capped off with the Business Meeting which is where the proposed legislation is voted on. The full meeting can be viewed using the link below.
Below is the complete 2024 USCAA National Convention report. If you have any questions, please contact the National Office at 757-798-9536 or by email at info@theuscaa.com.
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Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
State of the Association/Welcome to Pittsburgh
2023-24 USCAA Championships Report
Town Hall: Championships and Ratings & Selections