Derek Horne selected to serve on the newly formed Black AD Alliance executive committee
One of Alcorn State University’s leadership members is part of an organization geared toward encouraging Black athletes' advancement in athletic administration.
Derek Horne, Alcorn’s director of Athletics, was selected to serve as an executive committee member of the Black AD Alliance. The organization’s purpose is to promote the growth, development, and elevation of African American athletic administrators at the Division I level, which is the top NCAA championship division. Over 50 Black athletic directors from Division I schools are included in the alliance.
The organization also engages industry decision-makers, provides exposure for aspiring Black college athletics professionals through mentorship, and fosters connections with those who will help position leaders in intercollegiate athletics.
Horne is proud to serve a group that strives to empower aspiring Black leaders of athletics.
“It is a great honor to serve with so many influential Black collegiate athletics administrators,” said Horne. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to develop young professionals that aspire to become athletics directors at the Division I level.”
Along with being one of the organization’s leaders, Horne is also excited to mentor the next generation of minority sports leaders.
“This organization is filling a void by partnering with other entities to assist with young Black administrators' growth and development. It allows me to serve as a mentor by working with student-athletes to develop programming that assists them during their collegiate career and prepare them for life after college.”
The alliance has the potential to change the landscape of sports leadership. Horne envisions the group having a significant impact on the college sports community.
“We will impact the industry by exposing and connecting leaders to a pool of qualified candidates that are more than capable of being successful collegiate athletics directors. I desire to increase the opportunities for young Black administrators and make a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes.”
