NORFOLK, Va. - Sherie Cornish, Norfolk State University's Interim Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator, recently graduated from the 2008-09 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females. The graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 25 concluded a year-long program, which was held at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.

The 12-month program emphasizes leadership and administration, human resource management, finance and fundraising, booster, public and media relations, and leadership during four weekend sessions and one week-long meeting in Indianapolis. The program was established in 2001 following a recommendation from the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee. It is designed to address the shortage of senior-level ethnic minority females and males in athletics at the campus and conference levels.

“Being a part of the NCAA's Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females has been a life-changing experience," Cornish said. "I'm thankful to Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC), facilitators and NCAA staff for providing such an empowering experience. In addition, I would like to thank Marty Miller, Director of Athletics, and former Associate Athletics Director, Dr. Emma Best, for investing in my professional development.”

Cornish joins Jamar Ross, NSU Assistant Athletics Director for Business Operations, as graduates of the NCAA Leadership Institute. Ross graduated in 2008.