Bassett Selected as NACWAA President-Elect

Carnegie Mellon Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation Susan Bassett has been selected as President-Elect of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA). Bassett was named to the post at the organization’s annual convention this week and will serve as president during the 2010-11 year.

During her career, Bassett has assumed many leadership roles on a national stage, including her tenure as chair of the NCAA Division III Management Council in 2003-04. She served on the NACWAA Board of Directors from 2003-07.

“NACWAA is an organization that helps educate, inform and empower women in intercollegiate athletics. Our goal is to help all of the members be better informed and to strengthen their leadership skills,” said NACWAA Executive Director Jennifer Alley. “Susan will be an excellent leader for the organization.”

Founded in 1979, NACWAA is dedicated to providing educational programs, professional and personal development opportunities and support services to enhance college athletics and promote the growth, leadership and success of women working as administrators, professional staff and coaches within the field. Bassett has been a long-time member and supporter of the organization and is excited to lead NACWAA during a pivotal time in its history.

“I am privileged and humbled by the opportunity to serve NACWAA, the organization which has served me so well in my professional development from teacher and coach to administrator,” Bassett said. “As NACWAA celebrates its 30th anniversary, I am inspired to work closely with my female colleagues from across the country and ensure that even in these challenging economic times, the organization continues as a transformative force for collegiate athletics administrators.”

During the 30-year history of NACWAA, 21 individuals have served as president, including Christine Grant, Judy Sweet, Alfreeda Goff and Joan Cronan. Bassett adds a historical note to the impressive list, as she becomes just the first active Division III athletics director to assume the post.

“It is important to have diversity in the leadership and Susan is highly respected among all NCAA divisions,” Alley said. “She brings a different perspective and that will be a great asset to the membership.”

Having spent all of her 30-year career competing, coaching and leading in Division III, Bassett is proud to represent the NCAA’s largest division on a national platform.

“I think it’s great that a Division III administrator has been chosen to lead the NACWAA membership,” Bassett said. “I am honored to be in this position and will work diligently on behalf of student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators across all three divisions.”