Athletics administrator chosen for prestigious leadership program
Erik Korem, William & Mary Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete High Performance, has been selected for the prestigious Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) Program, the university has announced.
Korem is one of 60 Scholars chosen for the program’s fifth annual class, which was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were selected based on their leadership growth potential and their personal leadership projects aimed at improving civic engagement or social good by addressing a problem or need in their community, the country, or the world.
PLS serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson.
“Erik has quickly established himself as an integral member of the senior leadership team of Tribe Athletics. His work at the cutting edge of high performance is pivotal in our pursuit of holistic excellence,” said William & Mary Director of Athletics, Samantha K. Huge. “Erik’s selection to the Presidential Leadership Scholars is further confirmation that he is among the elite and having him here at William & Mary is critical to our mission of providing our student-athletes with the best possible tools to help them prepare for a life of impact while competing for championships.”
During the course of several months, scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact in their communities. The program began in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 5.
The latest class joins an active network of 240 scholars who are applying lessons learned through the program to make a difference in the U.S. and around the world. Examples of these scholar-led efforts include providing employment and mentorship to veterans, helping developing nations access safe anesthesia services for effective surgical care, empowering women with economic opportunity through clean energy in Africa and deploying much needed resources in the wake of natural disasters.
Korem joined the Tribe’s senior leadership staff in May 2018 and is responsible for all areas of student-athlete performance, including nutrition, sports medicine and strength & conditioning.
Prior to assuming his role at W&M, Korem worked with the NFL's Houston Texans and is an internationally recognized expert in the field of sports performance.
He earned his doctorate in Exercise Science from the University of Kentucky after earning a Master of Science degree from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University.
