LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA – July 20, 2026 – Lincoln University (PA) Athletics staff members Shaelyn Greene, Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Operations, and Zuri Saintphard, Director of Sports Medicine, have been selected to participate in the 2026 CIAA Leadership Academy: The McWilliams Institute for Leadership and Legacy, held July 21–24. The prestigious professional development program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders across the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
Launched in 2025, the CIAA Leadership Academy develops administrators and professionals from member institutions across the conference. The program promotes professional growth, fosters equity-focused leadership, and encourages strategic collaboration while providing participants opportunities to strengthen their leadership abilities, expand their professional networks, and develop innovative ideas that enhance their departments and institutions.
Greene, a Lincoln alumna and one of the youngest members of the athletics department leadership team, said she is honored to have been selected as she finishes her first full year as Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Operations. "It feels good when people see something in you that you may not see in yourself," Greene said. "Being one of the younger professionals in this position, I'm looking forward to learning from those with more experience. I'm excited to learn more about leaving my legacy and finding my voice. My job often requires me to work behind the scenes, so this experience will challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone." As part of the application process, participants submitted a capstone project. Greene's project focuses on bridging the gap between Title IX and student-athletes by rebuilding trust, strengthening communication, and increasing awareness of the resources available on campus. Greene credits much of her leadership development to Janice Washington and Joshua Dean. Washington taught her the value of organization, preparation, and intentional leadership, while Dean has emphasized the importance of building strong systems and lasting foundations. "To understand any operation, you have to remember that we're all part of a moving car," Greene said. Imagine trying to understand a car without knowing what the engine, battery, or brakes do. It would be impossible to understand why the car moves the way it does. Likewise, to understand how an organization operates, you must first understand the role of each moving part and how every function contributes to the performance of the whole. I'm grateful to both Coach J and Dean for continually pouring into me. They put me in the right rooms and prepare me for every opportunity."
For Saintphard, being selected to the CIAA Leadership Academy represents an opportunity to continue growing as both a healthcare professional and campus leader.
"This opportunity allows me to strengthen my leadership skills while learning from accomplished professionals dedicated to service, mentorship, and excellence," Saintphard said. "It also aligns with my commitment to advancing student-athlete health, wellness, and development."
As Director of Sports Medicine, Saintphard looks forward to collaborating with colleagues from across the CIAA, expanding her leadership and communication skills, and bringing back new ideas that will positively impact Lincoln University's student-athletes and Athletics Department.
She credits the mentors who have invested in her career for helping shape her leadership philosophy.
"They taught me to lead with integrity, build trust, and always keep the well-being of students at the center of every decision," she said.
As Greene and Saintphard prepare to represent Lincoln University (PA) at the CIAA Leadership Academy, both are eager to learn from fellow professionals, build meaningful relationships, and return with new ideas that will continue enhancing the student-athlete experience while strengthening the University's Athletics Department.
"I couldn't be prouder of Shaelyn and Zuri for being selected to participate in the CIAA Leadership Academy: The McWilliams Institute for Leadership and Legacy," Dean said. "This opportunity is a testament to their commitment to growth, their passion for serving others, and the leadership they demonstrate every day. They truly embody Lincoln University's mission to Learn. Liberate. Lead. I have no doubt they will represent the University with excellence and return with valuable knowledge that will positively impact our Athletics Department and campus community."