FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern assistant track and field coach Charles Johnson didn't quite understand the magnitude of the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar when he submitted his application months ago. After attending the event, however, Johnson is certainly glad he didn't pass on the opportunity.
 
Among the thousands that applied, Johnson was selected as one of 222 graduate assistants and interns to earn an invitation to the two-day conference held at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis this past weekend. The seminar provided those with a profound interest in pursuing a career in college sports the opportunity to learn industry knowledge, leadership awareness and to gain a broadened perspective of intercollegiate athletics in hopes of gaining valuable insight that helps structure their future career paths.
 
"It was surreal," said Johnson, who enters his third season this spring as part of NSU's coaching staff. "Initially when I filled out the application, I didn't realize the meaning of an event like this. After experiencing the event, I realized how much of an impact the individuals in every room will have going forward in their careers. It was an honor. I couldn't have asked for a better experience." 
 
Throughout the numerous sessions, Johnson participated in presentations and listened to panel discussions associated with his personal areas of interest – particularly fundraising and development along with academic support and student-athlete development. While he admitted the food was well above par, his favorite part of the weekend, however, was having the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of guest speakers.
 
"The guest speakers were great, just their energy and passion for what they do," said Johnson. "These people have worked with major universities and millions of dollars, and still have the same passion as if they just earned the job. That absolutely wowed me."
 
Throughout the seminar, participants heard from industry leaders and experts, including: Oliver Luck, NCAA executive vice president of regulatory affairs; Meg Stevens, director of athletics, Averett University; Devin Crosby, director of athletics, Lynn University; Erin McDermott, director of athletics, University of Chicago; Felicia Martin, senior associate athletics director for academics and student services, Texas Tech University and future vice president of the NCAA Eligibility Center; and Scott Wiegandt, director of athletics, Bellarmine University.

"I learned so much, but the one thing that stood out the most was the importance of building relationships and sustaining those relationships," Johnson added. "Taking the time to nurture relationships and putting in the effort to ensure they last – that's something I'll definitely take with me."