Concordia University, Nebraska partners with InSideOut to offer unique graduate-level course

Concordia University, Nebraska today announced that the university has partnered with InSideOut to offer a new, unique graduate-level certification course that will benefit athletic directors and other educators who serve in sports programs. The InSideOut Leadership course will prepare participants to effectively lead a purpose-based sports program that connects student-athletes to transformational coaches in a culture of belonging that positively impacts student-athlete’s growth and character development. The three-credit graduate course will take place April 29 to June 17 and is part of the university’s master of athletics administration offering. 

“This unique course will guide participants in examining the role sports have played in their lives and will also look closely at the impact that coaches have on sports programs and student athletes,” said Justin Hoffman, Concordia Nebraska assistant director of graduate recruitment. “InSideOut is a program that works to grow and develop the capacities of a school athletic administrators so they can lead a successful and purpose-based program.” 

InSideOut has been providing professional development for school administrators since 2015 that aims to reclaim the educational purpose of athletics in school communities. InSideOut is uniquely innovative because it is the first systems-level intervention to prioritize the social-emotional and character development of student-athletes in high school athletics. 

Utilizing the book InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives, the Concordia Nebraska graduate course will lead students through InSideOut co-founder Joe Ehrmann’s “four big questions”: Why do I lead, Why do I lead the way I do, How does it feel to be led by me, and How do I define success. Ehrmann played professionally in the NFL for 13 years and has also served as pastor of the 4,000-member Grace Fellowship Church in Baltimore, Maryland. 

“We are excited to offer this professional learning opportunity as part of the Concordia University, Nebraska Masters in Athletic Administration program. InSideOut Leadership utilizes impactful, evidence-based strategies to prepare ADs to effectively lead a Purpose-Based Program,” said InSideOut co-founder Jody Redman. “It takes intentional action to develop a culture that supports transformational coaches.” 

Participation in the InSideOut Leadership course allows students to earn graduate level credit as well as InSideOut certification. The course focuses on personal development and looks closely at the influence that coaches and other adults have over student athletes.  

“Our goal is to make a more effective leader,” added Redman. “We help program participants define their purpose and identify what difference they hope to make in the lives of their coaches and student-athletes. The number one InSideOut principle is, to be a better leader, you have to be a better you. We help leaders become the best version of themselves.” 

Are you interested in learning more about master’s degree offerings from Concordia Nebraska including our master of science in athletics administration? This program equips compassionate and effective high school and college athletic leaders with a degree that boasts both NIAAA and InSideOut Administrator Certifications. Apply today to join the next class of coaching and athletics administrators in our MSAA program.