Culver-Stockton College extends leadership opportunities for two athletic coaches

Janette Burgin, women’s head basketball coach, will serve as the athletic department’s Senior Women’s Leader, a new position requirement by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for member schools.  Caitlin Erickson, women’s head lacrosse coach, is the new Coordinator of Student-Athlete Experience.

In addition to her coaching duties, Burgin’s responsibilities as Senior Women’s Leader at C-SC will include serving on the Athletic Advisory Committee and collaborating with the athletic director regarding departmental and university initiatives. She will be instrumental in providing leadership and guidance in the area of Title IX and gender equality planning for both men’s and women’s sports. Burgin will also assist the athletic director with strategic planning, budget development, financial decisions, and hiring and onboarding practices for the department.

A significant highlight of the new role will be the opportunity for Burgin to advocate for student-athletes and mentor other departmental staff members. Additionally, she will serve on various committees on campus and provide game-day management to other events.

Pat Atwell, athletic director, said Burgin was the logical choice for the position due to her many years of experience as a head coach at the NAIA level.

“She has always had an interest in the inner workings of the department and school and has natural leadership characteristics that make her an excellent fit for this role,” Atwell said. “I look forward to working with Janette to move Culver-Stockton athletics forward.”

As the Coordinator of Student-Athlete Experience, Erickson will serve as the chairperson of the Wildcat Athletic Council. Additionally, she will become the Champions of Character Liaison for the athletic department as well as a liaison for the Student-Success Center on campus. She will be charged with tracking the community outreach projects, exploring leadership opportunities for student-athletes, and collaborating with the vice president for Student-Experience on various projects.

Erickson will join Burgin in representing the athletic department on other campus committees, providing leadership guidance and gender equality planning, advocating for student-athletes, mentoring staff members throughout the department, and providing game-day management to events.

Atwell said since Erickson joined the C-SC staff, she has shown a true passion for student-athletes and their college experience. She also noted she is pleased to see a new role that will enhance the C-SC experience for student-athletes.

“Caitlin has the natural ability to look at the positive side of situations and see the good in people. This characteristic will serve her well in this role,” said Atwell. “She already serves as the chair of the Wildcat Athletic Council, interacting with student-athletes from all the teams, and we look forward to her expanded role in serving their needs.”