PRACTICAL INSIGHTS. PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS. STRONGER ATHLETIC PROGRAMS. Join coaches, athletic directors, students, and industry professionals for a morning focused on the opportunities and challenges shaping coaching and athletic leadership today.
Organized by students in the Sport Management Program within the Dean R. Sanders '47 School of Management, the 4th Annual Dean College Coaching and Leadership Symposium will explore student-athlete mental health and wellness, fundraising for athletic programs, artificial intelligence in coaching, and building a winning culture. Through a keynote presentation, breakout sessions, and a panel discussion, participants will gain practical perspectives to bring back to their teams and organizations.
Friday, December 11, 2026
Symposium: 9:00 a.m.–noon | Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.
Career Fair: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Guidrey Center, Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center
Dean College | 99 Main Street, Franklin, Massachusetts
Who Should Attend?
Coaches, athletic administrators, athletics staff, alumni, and students interested in coaching, sport management, and leadership are encouraged to participate. Whether you lead an established program or are preparing to enter the field, the symposium offers opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from industry professionals, and expand your network.
Whether you are looking to strengthen your coaching practice, explore a new direction, or build professional connections all Dean alumni are invited to attend. Please be sure to register to ensure space is available.
Symposium Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30–9:00 a.m. | Registration |
| 9:00–9:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 9:15–10:00 a.m. | Keynote: Student-Athlete Mental Health and Wellness: Best practices for supporting student-athlete well-being. |
| 10:15–11:00 a.m. | Concurrent Breakout Sessions: Choose either Fundraising for Athletic Programs or The Use of AI in Coaching. |
| 11:15 a.m.–noon | Panel Discussion: Building a Winning Culture: Perspectives on leadership and creating a culture that supports team success. |
| 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Career Fair: Connect with representatives from sports organizations, companies, and sport management programs. |
Expand Your Professional Network
Complement your symposium experience with the Career Fair, where you can explore career opportunities and connect with professionals across the sports industry.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Patrick Leary, Professor of Sport Management, at pleary@dean.edu or Joanne Coluccio, Director of Alumni Engagement, at jcoluccio@dean.edu.