Jul 29, 2025

Clemson Recognizes 2025 CUADvance Cohort Graduates

Third Cohort Graduates from Athletics Staff Developmental Program

CLEMSON, S.C.- Clemson Athletics celebrates the achievements and graduation of the 2024-25 CUADvance Staff Development cohort.

2024-25 GRADUATES

Trent Alley, Senior Account Manager, CAPCO
Emily Brady, Ticket Operations Manager
Mike Clark, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development
Scott Dayton, Associate Director of Athletic Academic Services
Haven Flesch, Assistant Director of IPTAY Hospitality
Trey Keys, Associate Director of Creative Solutions
Caroline Klinger, Assistant Director of Olympic Sports Nutrition
Sokiri Malula, Assistant Director of Coaching Video & Technology, Football
Kendall Mercer, Director of NIL & Football Programming
Sammy Roush, Associate Director of Marketing & Fan Experience
Nick Saul, Athletic Trainer, Football
Kurt Sutton, Director of Broadcast Operations
Kelsey Tibbs, Assistant Director of IPTAY Graphic Design & Communication
Kaley Wojciechowski, Assistant Director of Athletic Academic Services

CUADvance, sponsored by Director of Athletics Graham Neff, is a 10-month, one-of-a-kind program designed for early-career employees. Coordinated by Henry Archuleta, it features a best-in-class core curriculumby AMPLOS and other athletics-centric speakers, focusing on personal development, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. This innovative concept aims to enhance employee skills and create growth opportunities in collegiate athletics.

Program Description

Each monthly two-hour session rotates across various venues in the Athletic District, introducing the cohort to different departmental units. The first hour, led by Dr. Cory Shaffer, emphasizes personal development, encouraging employees to discover their strengths and weaknesses for effective leadership. The second hour, structured as a “lunch and learn,” features speakers from CUAD, the ACC, and peer institutions, integrating their insights with AMPLOS’s curriculum to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

This year also marked the third year of a final project “A Leader Worth Following,” in which the cohort interviewed leaders from around the country, and presented on their findings.

Group 1- Geoff Bell, Jeuel Davis, Nash Newberry

Itoro Coleman, Associate Head Women’s Basketball Coach- Virginia Tech

Group 2- Kevin Aje, Liz Doherty, James Haynes, Meredith Priest

Jeff Davis, Assistant AD of Football Player Relations- Clemson Athletics & Founder of P.A.W. Journey
Maggie Bailey, Associate AD/Senior Woman Administrator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Beth Goetz, Director of Athletics- University of Iowa

Group 3- Kyle Chasse, Jayse McQuaig, Jared Sweat, Erika Troutman

Imry Halevi, Associate AD of Communications and Strategic Communications- Harvard

Group 4- JT Mellendick, Ashley Persson, Amanda Taylor, Shanelle’ Valentine

Dr. Eric Wood, Senior Deputy A.D./External Relations and Business Development- Ole Miss

Clemson Athletics will be launching the CUADvance application for the 2024-25 academic year in early July and will announce the new cohort early August.

2024-25 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

August 2024

Hour 1: Lunch & Learn with Guest Speakers Graham Neff & Cohort Introductions
Hour 2: Core Curriculum: Kyle Young to introduce Cory Shaffer. Why Personal & Professional Development Matters

September 2024

Hour 1: Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Coach Mike Noonan
- The group met with Men’s Soccer Head Coach Mike Noonan, who emphasized the importance of a growth mindset. He discussed learning from mistakes, being authentic, asking for help, and pursuing self-improvement through reading, seeking advice, and self-evaluation. Coach Noonan highlighted the need to reset during tough times, be a good listener, and stay present. He recommended “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl, which inspired him to focus on finding personal meaning rather than pleasure, embodying the essence of a growth mindset.
Hour 2: Core Curriculum: Mindset – The Foundation for Growth

October 2024

Hour 1: Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Jocelyn Fisher Gates
Hour 2: Core Curriculum: Core Values – Character Strengths & Exploring What’s Important to You

November 2024

Hour 1: Lunch & Learn (Cohort Discussion) with Jackie Simpson-Kirr
Hour 2: Core Curriculum: Purpose – Why and How You Do What You Do

December 2024

Hour 1: Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Clemson University President Jim Clements
Hour 2: Core Curriculum: Vision and Legacy – Looking Ahead to What You Want to Leave

January 2025

Hour 1: Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Natalie Honnen
- Natalie Honnen, Executive Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Services and Performance, shared insights on finding true happiness in one’s career, emphasizing that it comes from within and not from external comparisons or titles. She advised the group to prioritize self-care and be lifelong learners, highlighting the importance of being well-versed in multiple areas of the industry.
Hour 2: Core Curriculum: Success & Happiness – Choosing Your Path While Enjoying Your Journey

February 2025

Hour 1: Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Brad Brown
Hour 2: Core Curriculum: Goals and Habits – Setting Yourself Up for Success

March 2025

Hours 1-2: Lunch & Learn with Coach Dabo Swinney
- Coach Swinney emphasized the importance of mindset and belief in achieving success, highlighting that doing common things in uncommon ways and maintaining consistency are key. He encouraged the group to master their craft with energy and optimism, as this attracts like-minded leaders. Swinney concluded with Phil Knight’s words on Nike’s success: “We love what we do and who we do it with.”
Hour 2: Budget Exercise with Austin Dillard

April 2025

Hour 1: Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Lisa Knox
Hour 2: Core Curriculum: High Performing Teams

May 2025

Hours 1-2: “Creative Business Idea” Group Presentations (4)
Presented to Clemson Athletics Senior Staff