NCAA President Mark Emmert is coming to USU

On April 14 at 3 p.m. NCAA President Mark Emmert will be visiting Utah State University to discuss with students, recent achievements by the NCAA.

President Emmert became the fifth president of the NCAA in late 2010. Before the NCAA, he was president of the University of Washington. He’s also previously served as chancellor of Louisiana State, provost and chancellor of University of Connecticut, provost and VP for academic affairs at Montana State, and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at University of Colorado.

According to the USU Institute of Government and Politics’ (IGOP) website, Emmert has been working on “reforming academics across all divisions, health and safety advancements, and policies for ensuring student-athletes have support for success in and beyond college athletics.”

During their research projects, the NCAA — under Emmert’s council — have worked with other organizations including the U.S. Department of Defense to better care for and support student athletes.

Students, especially those involved in bringing Emmert to USU, are looking forward to have Emmert here.

“I’m excited to have a high-profile figure like the NCAA president visit the campus … since most of our speakers are elected officials or speakers specifically on politics or policy, so it’ll be fun to have something a little different,” said Jashon Bishop, Intern Recruitment Coordinator for the USU IGOP.

Getting such a high profile member of NCAA to come and speak at any individual college is normally difficult, but thanks to Utah State University’s current president, Stan Albrecht, the task was easier than it would have been for most universities.

“Stan Albrecht is a member of the NCAA Executive Committee, representing the Western Athletic Conference, so that was our connection with Mark Emmert. I think President Albrecht’s upcoming retirement is also a part of why President Emmert chose now to visit and speak at USU,” Bishop said.

Before students attend Emmert’s speech, Thomas Rogers, Athletics and Campus Recreation Vice President, encourages students learn more about what Emmert has done for student athletes.

“Students should learn more about his role and the changes he makes how it affects students and student athletes,” Rogers said.

— shaniehoward214@gmail.com