Life Skills Initiative

The Academy of Miner Athletics (AMA) Life Skills initiative was envisioned as a way for AMA members to "give back" some of their time and experience, as well as to encourage Missouri S&T student-athletes as they graduate and move on to their future endeavors.

Beginning in April 2013, a panel of AMA members presented the first Professional Life Skills Development Program to a group of 20 student-athletes from various sports and degree programs. The panelists and AMA members who participated were Diane Butrus '85; Cecilia Elmore '86; Curt Elmore '86; Sarah Moore, Ron Rosner '89; and then director of athletics, Mark Mullin.

The annual program allows AMA members to mentor student-athletes by giving their time, sharing professional experiences, and encouraging them as they graduate and transition to their future endeavors. Topics include job interviews; evaluating and negotiating employment offers; preparing for the first day on the job, enrolling in employer-sponsored benefits and retirement plans; personal financial planning; the importance of maintaining health and well-being; identifying mentors, networking, and building key relationships for professional growth and career advancement; and strategies for starting a business, and earning advanced degrees and certifications.

The professional Life Skills development Program was chosen as the 2023 recipient of the Great Lakes Valley Conference(GLVC) Dr. Joseph J. McGowan Visionary Award. The award is presented annually to the GLVC institution that displays vision and exemplary programming to promote and advance the student-athlete experience.