CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The NCAA has selected Nebraska Wesleyan's Erin Hoffman to attend the 2026 NCAA Division III Athletics Direct Report Professional Development Program in Washington D.C. this upcoming January and represent the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C).
"I am honored to receive a grant to attend the NCAA DIII ADR conference this year," said Hoffman. "I hope to learn from others around the country so I can be a great advocate for our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators here at Nebraska Wesleyan and within the American Rivers Conference.”
The purpose of the Athletic Direct Report (ADR) professional development program is to engage Division III ADRs in best practices to oversee and manage athletics programs and improve the relationship between ADRs and their presidents, athletics directors, and conference commissioners. The program will focus on enhancing the effectiveness and involvement of the ADR at the campus, conference, and national levels. The program includes both networking opportunities and interactive discussions with ADR peers and other expert presenters.
The objectives of the ADR Professional Development Program are:
- Create and support a network of ADRs.
- Provide on-going professional development.
- Provide an orientation for ADRs.
The program includes in-person programming conducted during the NCAA Convention and virtual sessions conducted during the academic year for the following groups:
- New ADRs: 20 participants each year. All Division III ADRs who have been in their role for at least one year or who have never attended the ADR Institute are eligible to participate.
- Experienced ADRs: 20 ADRs that have been in their role for more than two years and who have previously attended the ADR Institute.
Hoffman was named the Vice President for Student Life in 2022. She leads the university's student life areas including athletics, career services, student health and counseling, student engagement, and residential education.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
