LATHAM, N.Y. – The NCAA has announced that Reava Potter, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field and Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee (ADID) at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, has been selected to participate in the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute. The program is designed to elevate participants’ leadership skills, accelerate professional growth, and enhance their ability to thrive in current and future leadership roles within college athletics.

Potter joins 18 other first-year administrators in the 2025–26 cohort. The group engaged in a weeklong professional development program July 12–19 in Tampa, Florida, alongside returning participants from last year’s class, who celebrated their graduation during the event.

“It’s an incredible honor to be named an administrator for the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute,” Potter said. “This program has a long-standing tradition of cultivating leadership, excellence, and equity within intercollegiate athletics. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development of future leaders and to help advance the meaningful work being done through this transformative initiative.”

First-year participants began the program by examining career aspirations, clarifying personal values, and exploring leadership styles. The curriculum also included interactive sessions on strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, compliance, human resources, and performance management. Attendees completed an intensive budget activity and engaged with subject matter experts to deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing college athletics leaders.

The cohort also visited the University of South Florida to meet with athletics department staff, gaining firsthand insight into campus culture, organizational structures, and communication best practices.

Since its inception in 2002, more than 400 administrators have graduated from the Leadership Institute, with over 60% advancing into senior leadership positions. The program honors the legacy of Dr. Charles Whitcomb, a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in collegiate athletics.

To learn more about the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, including eligibility and application details, CLICK HERE.

Year One Roster
Alexis Anderson, Ferrum, Division II
Peaches Brown, Drexel, Division I
Richard Chery, Nebraska, Division I
Ashley Conner, Edward Waters University, Division II
Therno Diallo, Rutgers, Division I
Christina Epps-Chiazor, Swarthmore, Division III
Brandon Floyd, Vanderbilt, Division I
Elizabeth Hamlet, Illinois, Division I
Ashley Jocelyn, NCAA
Kirsten McCowan, Big South Conference, Division I
Patty Medina, American, Division I
Marcus Murrell, Clark Atlanta, Division II
Reava Potter, St. Mary’s (Maryland), Division III
Danielle Pulliam, Wisconsin, Division I
Courtney Randall, UC Davis, Division I
Joseph Walters, Hampton, Division I
Faithe Ways, DePaul, Division I
LaToya Williams, Alcorn State, Division I