UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State Athletics is pleased to announce a change in its Student-Athlete Development and Enrichment unit, aimed at enhancing the personal, athletic, and professional development of our student-athletes. This strategic reorganization will enable us to continue to evolve how we support student-athletes in their journey toward success in and out of athletics.
Meighan Julbert has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Enrichment. She will now oversee and direct program opportunities focused on social, personal, professional, cognitive, cultural, and athletic development.
Julbert has over ten years of experience working in the sports industry. Before joining Penn State, she was at Bethany College where she served in the role of Assistant AD and Senior Woman Administrator overseeing all student-athlete development, leadership, and mental performance initiatives. Prior to Bethany College, she spent four years as a Mental Skills Consultant providing mental performance support to elite athletes ranging from youth to professional level with the goal of improving overall athletic performance. Julbert also worked in the athletics department for both Auburn University and The University of Tennessee.
In her new role, Julbert will focus on developing program opportunities for this unit while strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders who provide support to student-athletes. She will also oversee the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which supports the voice of Penn State student-athletes.
Under the new leadership of Meighan Julbert, the unit will include two additional key members dedicated to fostering holistic development:
- Myles Dread – Coordinator for Student-Athlete Development and Enrichment: Dread, a 2023 Men's Basketball graduate from Penn State, brings a wealth of recent athletic experience to this role. He will support community engagement and service initiatives, work alongside our student-athlete groups, and organize workshops and student-athlete wide events. His addition to the team brings a knowledge of Penn State athletics and a passion for the development of our student-athletes.
- Braelyn Showell – Big Ten Diversity Intern: Showell will be elevated within the team in the role of Big Ten Diversity Intern. In her undergraduate role, she was a mentor and guide for our student-athletes. In this new capacity, Braelyn will support all marketing and curriculum building initiatives within Student-Athlete Development, as well as assist in workshops and organizing events. Her knowledge of Penn State and experience providing support in previous roles will help to foster an environment where student-athletes feel empowered to succeed.
Penn State Athletics has a strong history of being committed to the comprehensive development of our student-athletes. This restructure in team highlights our dedication to their success, emphasizing three core areas of focus:
Gallery: (11-1-2023) Development & Enrichment
- Personal Development: We will continue to provide resources and support to help our student-athletes develop essential skills including interpersonal skills, leadership, and mental agility and wellness. Readiness in these areas is critical for their overall well-being, performance, and future success.
- Professional Development: Our enhanced programs will prepare student-athletes for life beyond sport by offering career development workshops, connections with alumni in relative industries, and resources to build skills in preparation for future professional capacities. We believe in empowering them to excel in their chosen professional path, both within and outside the sports industry.
- Community Engagement: We recognize the importance of connecting with the community. Through service projects, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with local organizations, we aim to instill a strong sense of social responsibility in our student-athletes.
Julbert expressed her enthusiasm for the future of the Student-Athlete Development and Enrichment unit: "With the strong foundation that has already been built here, I am excited about the possibilities that this change brings. Myles, Braelyn, and our undergraduate interns are dedicated to working with our teams to help our student-athletes find success during their time on campus and beyond. By providing them with the right resources, tools, and opportunities, we are investing in their futures. I am thankful to Deputy AD Brandi Stuart and AD Pat Kraft for the opportunity to continue to serve our student-athletes in this role."
During the 2022-23 year, the Development and Enrichment office recorded over 6,000 hours of engagement, increasing participation of student-athletes by 22% from the previous year and the hope is for continual growth. Penn State Athletics invites all stakeholders, including student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and the wider community, to join us in supporting the continual growth of the Student-Athlete Development and Enrichment unit. Together, we can empower our student-athletes to reach new heights in their personal, athletic, and professional lives.
About Penn State Athletics
Penn State Athletics is committed to fostering the holistic development of student-athletes through excellence in academics, athletics, and character. With a rich history of success, we take pride in our tradition of cultivating leaders in and outside of the athletic space.
For further inquiries about supporting the Student-Athlete Development and Enrichment unit, please contact: Meighan Julbert, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development and Enrichment, maj5551@psu.edu.
For alumni who are interested in supporting Penn State student-athletes through professional development, experiential opportunities, mentorship, or internship and career related opportunities please email dev_enrich@athletics.psu.edu.