Austin Peay State University

Campaign: The Elite Leadership Institute (ELI)

Focus Area: Leadership Development & Holistic Growth

Overview:

In 2025, Austin Peay State University and Law of Athlete launched the Elite Leadership Institute (ELI), a first-of-its-kind, cohort-based leadership conference designed to prepare student-athletes for success beyond competition. The initiative, supported by a prestigious NCAA grant, reflects APSU’s commitment to advancing student-athlete success through innovation and education.

The Challenge:

Austin Peay sought to create a premier leadership program that would help athletes translate their competitive discipline into life leadership skills. The school needed a trusted partner to build a structured curriculum, lead facilitation, and design a model that could be sustained and scaled.

The Solution:

Law of Athlete developed and facilitated the Elite Leadership Institute using its 4-Quarter Instructional Model, a framework that teaches athletes through four key phases: learning fundamentals, gaining strategy, applying knowledge, and reflecting on growth. The program included curated workshops, mentorship opportunities, and a selective nomination process for student-athletes demonstrating leadership potential.

The Results:

The inaugural Elite Leadership Institute Conference launched in January 2025, with follow-up sessions and a graduation ceremony planned for spring. Feedback from athletes and staff described the program as “a game-changer” and “career-shaping.” APSU athletes displayed stronger leadership, communication, and personal accountability, with several participants earning athletic awards and team captain roles.

This collaboration positioned APSU as a national model for holistic athlete development.