UW-River Falls senior selected for 2018 NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program

October 26, 2017-- University of Wisconsin-River Falls senior Albert Itula has been selected to attend the 2018 NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program as part of the NCAA Convention held in Indianapolis in January.

The Student Immersion Program was created in 2015 by the NCAA Division III Diversity and Inclusion Working Group in an effort to strengthen the pool of talented ethnic minority candidates in coaching and athletics administration.

“This program will give Itula the opportunity to learn more about the governance process and careers in athletics, as well as network with other students and athletics administrators from Division III institutions,” said Crystal Lanning, UW-River Falls interim athletic director. “The NCAA DIII Student Immersion Program aligns with the goals of our strategic plan in which we strive to promote the personal and professional growth of our student-athletes and staff and seek opportunities to diversify our staff.”

More than 100 athletes from NCAA Division III schools applied for the program and the top 40 were selected by a committee. Selected students are fully funded to attend the convention. Ethnic minority students, preferably juniors and seniors with a strong interest in a career in Division III coaching or athletics administration, are encouraged to apply.

The Student Immersion Program allows participants the opportunity to sit in on athletic director meetings and forums and experience how decisions and voting are conducted at the Division III level.

Itula is an exercise and sport science major with a minor in coaching. He spent four years as a member of the football team and is spending his senior year as a student assistant coach for the Falcons. His various duties as an assistant coach are preparing him for a future career in athletics at the collegiate level, while his time as a student-athlete had a strong impact on his educational experience.

“If not for athletics, I probably wouldn’t still be in school,” Itula said. “In order to play during games, you have to maintain good grades which encouraged me to balance my grades and sports. I am very excited to contribute to and represent our school though the immersion program.”

Founded in 1874, UW-River Falls is located in a scenic community just 30 miles from downtown St. Paul, Minn. UW-River Falls students are empowered, beginning in their first semester, to participate in hands-on research, global travel and collaborative learning with award-winning and caring faculty.