HACKENSACK, N.J. - The NCAA has selected 21 administrators across all three divisions as its cohort for the 2024-25 Pathway Program, a yearlong initiative designed to prepare senior-level athletics administrators for their next career step as directors of athletics or conference commissioner. Out of the 21 selected, FDU Senior Associate Athletic Director/COO Jason Young has been named into the program. 
 
Young has been with FDU since the June of 2019. Currently he oversees all external units, manages the department's financial operations, equipment operations, and is the sport administrator for men's and women's volleyball, baseball, women's fencing, cheerleading and the secondary sport administrator for men's basketball.

From the NCAA
 
The Pathway Program, under the direction of NCAA leadership development, is an intensive, experiential learning opportunity for selected participants who work at an NCAA school or conference in Divisions I, II or III. During the year, the participants will be paired with and have regularly scheduled meetings with a campus or conference mentor. The mentors include directors of athletics, conference commissioners and school presidents, along with others in leadership roles. The 2024-2025 cohort will meet from June 23-28 for a weeklong education session in Indianapolis.
 
Young has been with FDU since the June of 2019. Currently he oversees all external units, manages the department's financial operations, equipment operations, and is the sport administrator for men's and women's volleyball, baseball, women's fencing, cheerleading and the secondary sport administrator for men's basketball.

The program is structured to help cement their leadership purpose and enhance their skills in areas that focus on strategic planning; fundraising; message articulation; diversity, equity and inclusion; organizational leadership; hiring processes; and engagement with search firms. 

The Pathway Program was created in 1997 and has produced more than 300 program alumni, with nearly 30% of the graduates moving on to become athletics directors or conference commissioners. Additionally, more than 70% of the program alumni have received some level of promotion in relation to their title or job responsibilities.