NCAA PRESIDENT MARK EMMERT TO VISIT UNW

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NCAA President Mark Emmert to visit UNW

ST. PAUL, MINN. (09/13/2016)(readMedia)-- University of Northwestern is thrilled to announce that NCAA President, Dr. Mark Emmert, will be visiting the institution on Sept. 14. Emmert and his staff will spend an entire day on UNW's 107-acre campus, meeting with staff and student-athletes from the university, as well as administration and student-athletes from the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) member schools.

"The University of Northwestern is excited about hosting Dr. Emmert and his team on our campus," said Vice President of Student Life and Athletics Matt Hill. "Students, coaches, staff, and faculty will have the opportunity to dialogue with the leader of the NCAA about issues facing collegiate athletics. We are grateful to Dr. Emmert for taking the time to visit with us."

Emmert became the fifth president of the NCAA in October 2010. Prior to assuming his current role, Emmert had been president of his alma mater, University of Washington, since 2004 where he led the university to its standing as second among all public and private institutions in research funding with $1.3 billion in grants and contracts per year. During his tenure, the university also concluded a $2.6 billion fundraising campaign. Emmert is also President Emeritus of the University of Washington. Before returning to his alma mater, Emmert was chancellor of Louisiana State University from 1999 to 2004.

A Washington native, President Emmert earned his bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Washington and has both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in public administration from Syracuse University.

Read more on President Emmert's complete bio.

"We are looking forward to visiting with the University of Northwestern student-athletes and administration," said President Emmert. "At the NCAA, it is our goal to provide each student-athlete, at every division, the opportunity to excel in both academics and athletics. To experience and engage with those we serve first-hand is one of my top priorities."

President Emmert shares a unique connection to UNW as well, as Northwestern President Dr. Alan Cureton serves on the NCAA's Board of Governors, an opportunity that has allowed him to develop a personal relationship with Emmert.

"Representing Division III on the NCAA Board of Governors, in my role first as vice-chair and then chair of the D3 President's Council, for the past three years has been an unique opportunity and honor," said Cureton. "I consider working side-by-side with Dr. Emmert and his leadership team in protecting and enhancing the student-athlete experience a privilege; a privilege laced with responsibility and accountability."

Cureton concluded by saying, "Leading a complex and member-driven national association, an association that experiences intense visibility and daily scrutiny, is challenging, but Dr. Emmert does so with a high level of professionalism driven by a passionate spirit that seeks the highest ideal for every student-athlete. It is our privilege, as his host, and on behalf of the four hundred and forty-two DIII member institutions, to represent and reflect the key philosophical aspect of why DIII is so unique and special within the NCAA membership. What is that aspect? Division III institutions provide a distinct opportunity for student-athletes to concentrate, first and foremost, on their individual academic interests and pursuits while being able to play the sport they love, simply for the love of the game. It is true amateurism at its ultimate ideal."

The event-filled day will conclude with an Eagle volleyball match with the University of Wisconsin-Stout inside the Ericksen Center. First serve is set for 7 p.m.

Those interested in following President Emmert's visit can stay up-to-date by connecting with UNW on Twitter (@unweagles), Facebook (UNW Athletics) and Instagram (unweagles) and by using the hashtag #UNWNCAA.