In the News: Niesha Campbell selected to NCAA Pathway Program

By: Public Relations and Marketing June 23, 2025

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has announced that Austin Peay State University’s Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Woman Administrator Niesha Campbell has been selected as one of 22 administrators nationwide for the 2025-26 NCAA Pathway Program.

The Pathway Program is a yearlong initiative designed to prepare senior-level athletics administrators to become directors of athletics or conference commissioners. Campbell was chosen from a nationally competitive pool of candidates representing all three NCAA divisions.

Participants will meet from June 22-27 in Indianapolis, Indiana for a weeklong educational session, followed by additional programming in Fall 2025 and Summer 2026. Benefits include intensive leadership development, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities.

About Niesha Campbell

Niesha Campbell joined Austin Peay's athletics department in June 2022 and was promoted to chief operating officer in August 2023 while continuing her roles as deputy director of athletics and senior woman administrator. In her position, she oversees all Austin Peay athletics operations, including external communications and student-athlete welfare.

About the NCAA Pathway Program

Created in 1997, the NCAA Pathway Program has become a cornerstone of leadership development in college athletics. The program has produced more than 300 alumni, with nearly 30% advancing to become athletics directors or conference commissioners. Additionally, more than 70% of program alumni have received promotions in relation to their title or job responsibilities.