The Cameron Institute reached another significant benchmark in its evolution and development last month with the hiring of Dr. Sean Hendricks as an Assistant Athletic Director of Leadership and Personal Development.

Hendricks becomes the first hire since Dr. Marissa Nichols was announced as the Director of the Cameron Institute last summer. The Cameron Institute, an innovative program to support student-athlete development, was formed last spring and was made possible through a $12.5 million gift from C. Bryan Cameron. The institute is expected to be operational in the fall.

"This is a critical first hire in a lot of ways," Nichols said. "We're building an entire organization and high-performing system to support student-athlete development, and Sean's experience leading highly effective organizations, combined with program development and implementation, will be instrumental in the evolution of the Cameron Institute."

Hendricks comes to Cal after 12 years at Rowan University in New Jersey, where he served a variety of roles, most recently as an Assistant Vice President of Academic Support Programs. He also was the Director of Academic Transition and the Assistant Director of Admissions.

In his roles at Rowan, Hendricks worked with the entire student body, including student-athletes. Hendricks is a former student-athlete himself, having played linebacker at Towson University, where he served as team captain and was an All-Patriot League selection.

"The opportunity to work at one of the most prestigious institutions in the country was a no-brainer," Hendricks said. "When I learned of the Cameron Institute last year, I was enamored by the opportunity to significantly impact student-athletes' lives and help develop them as people and leaders."

At the Cameron Institute, Hendricks will oversee the development and implementation of all leadership and personal development programming, while also serving as chief of staff. Among his specific duties will be to help incoming freshmen make the transition to Cal, as well as assist graduating seniors with life after Cal.

"Sean brings a unique breadth and depth of experience," Nichols said. "He's been able to facilitate many different opportunities across the campus at Rowan and has been instrumental in building out a lot of unique programs.  He comes with a strong capacity of leadership skills. He knows how to really help lead and support."

Hendricks also has extensive experience in college coaching, having served on staffs at Rowan and Johns Hopkins University. Hendricks was also a health teacher in the Carroll County public school system and coached high school football and wrestling.

"I had an amazing experience as a student-athlete where I was able to learn from some really great leaders – coaches, professors and advisors," Hendricks said. "I had different mentors in my life, and I thought if I ever had the opportunity to give back and do some of those same things, I would take full advantage of it. It remains my constant passion to help people maximize their abilities and help them be successful in the world of higher education."