Columbia, Mo. - Mizzou Men's Basketball head coach Cuonzo Martin, along with a group of more than 35 collegiate head coaches and the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation, have come together to launch the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative.
The purpose of the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative (MLI) is to provide minorities a jumpstart to their careers through practical experience, opportunities to build their network, and instilling the values of John McLendon: Integrity, Education, Leadership and Mentorship. Participants in the initiative will be known as MLI Future Leaders.
"This is a tremendous thing we're starting," Martin said. "When you're talking about internships, opportunities, ultimately leading to jobs then having a successful career, that part is great. Not everyone necessarily wants to be in coaching. Some want to be in administration. So you work in the ticket office, work in basketball operations, work in the academic department, work in fundraising. It's a tremendous thing. Anytime you can create opportunities for people to live successful lives, it's hard to fight that.
The McLendon Foundation, along with G3 Marketing and ProLink Staffing Services, will be assisting in the solicitation of collegiate coaches, administrators, and corporations to build this program and provide opportunities within athletics departments at all levels, with the ultimate goal of expanding and enhancing the pipeline for minorities interested in pursuing careers in athletics administration. As an added benefit, the Joel Cornette Foundation will assist the Future Leaders with corporate mentorship, development, and job placement.
"I just think everybody needs opportunities," Martin said during the roundtable. "I go back home and I listen to a lot of guys I grew up with who made mistakes in their lives. They transform their lives. I'm just speaking as a man, but the way I feel respected is being able to provide for my family and have opportunities. If I can't do that, it's hard to live life in a peaceful manner. We have to be deliberate in giving people opportunities and trying to create some level of equality."
"The McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative is a huge step in the right direction for enhancing the pipeline within our industry," said Andrea Williams, Chief Operating Officer at the College Football Playoff (CFP) and McLendon Foundation President. "There are many qualified minority individuals who are prepared to make their mark and begin their careers in college athletics, and this program, jumpstarted by Coach Calipari, is a great foundation to build on."
More information regarding the MLI, including a pre-application for interested and qualified individuals, can be found at MinorityLeaders.org. In conjunction with this announcement, the McLendon Foundation is unveiling a newly designed website to showcase the efforts of the Foundation, highlighted by its mission to empower and develop minorities who aspire to be principled leaders in athletics administration by providing educational resources and access to a life-long community of mentors.