Jen Cole, a 2019 EdD in KIN graduate, began a new position at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) as the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Affairs, Senior Woman Administrator, and Athletics Healthcare Administrator. Her role there is to ensure the institution complies with NCAA DII legislation.
Her position has many elements, but the main ones include eligibility, financial aid, and recruiting. She started at UAH in 2012 as an athletic trainer, transitioned to the assistant volleyball coach, and most recently was the assistant director of compliance in 2021. Her experience at the institution and her relationships with campus partners, the GSC conference, and Division II made her a good fit for the position. She learned about the specific compliance-related responsibilities in the last 3 years, and that has been a strong foundation for continuing to enhance the athletic compliance office at UAH. She also notes, “my two toddlers probably prepared me the most though, learning to juggle 100 balls in the air and regulate emotions has been a game-changer for efficiency in the workplace.” Jen is most excited about representing UAH and empowering the student-athletes in new ways as the landscape of college athletics evolves.
Jen credits UNCG for teaching her how to problem solve and communicate with colleagues in a way that creates positive change. Being at UNCG “completely changed and enhanced the way I thought, processed, evaluated and communicated as a professional and as a human.” The skills she learned reached into her personal life as well. Jen encourages those who are interested in developing as a professional and as a person to consider enrolling in the EdD in KIN program. “This program is transformative and the relationships and network that you gain is second to none.”
Visit the EdD in KIN website for more information about the program.