Mark Emmert

Mark A. Emmert became the fifth president of the NCAA in October 2010.

Under his leadership at the NCAA, Emmert has implemented student-centered thinking and reform initiatives and has championed greater support and opportunity for student-athletes in all divisions and sports. His commitment to academic success, well-being, equity and fairness has resulted in initiatives such as the NCAA Sport Science Institute, the Commission on College Basketball, greater benefits for student-athletes, and a larger role for student voices throughout the governance process. Emmert also has championed efforts to improve health care at NCAA member schools, reduce head trauma and prevent sexual misconduct. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Emmert convened top medical experts from across the country to lead the COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group and other advisory panels to create protocols and guidelines on how to safely return to sport. The Association pivoted to a virtual working and governance environment, and NCAA championships were able to resume in spring 2021 with health and safety protocols in place.

Before joining the NCAA, Emmert was president of his alma mater, the University of Washington, beginning in 2004. Under his leadership, the university rose to second among all public and private schools in research funding, with $1.3 billion in grants and contracts per year. Emmert previously served in many higher education capacities. His administrative appointments include chancellor of Louisiana State University (1999-2004), provost and chancellor of the University of Connecticut (1995-99), provost and vice president for academic affairs at Montana State University-Bozeman (1992-95) and various academic administrative positions at the University of Colorado, Boulder (1985-92).

Emmert is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and was previously an American Council on Education Fellow and J.W. Fulbright Administrative Fellow.

A Washington state native, Emmert graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in political science and has both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in public administration from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. Emmert and his wife, DeLaine, have two adult children and enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren.