Words can scarcely capture the profound impact of Dr. Kristina Navarro on intercollegiate athletics and the landscape of higher education. This reflection serves as a tribute to a true pioneer, a leader whose vision and dedication reshaped her profession and inspired countless individuals. Dr. Navarro was more than just an administrator or scholar; she was a force of nature, a captivating leader, and a genuine trailblazer.
Kristina Navarro was undeniably ahead of her time. As a visionary organizational and strategic thinker, she possessed a brilliant intellect coupled with a deeply compassionate heart. She wholeheartedly embraced the mission of student development within intercollegiate athletics, elevating it to new heights. Moreover, she redefined the concept of the practitioner-scholar in higher education, seamlessly blending academic rigor with real-world application. Above all, Kristina was vibrantly and authentically human, connecting with people on a profound level.
Her programs were not just successful; they were models of excellence, setting national benchmarks. Data-driven and strategically aligned, they ingeniously leveraged corporate sponsorships and redefined organizational missions. Kristina was the epitome of building and leading High Impact Practices (HIPs), leaving an indelible mark on the field. Her achievements have been documented in numerous articles and presentations, but her true legacy lies in the countless lives she transformed – mentees, colleagues, student-athletes, and coaches alike.
Early Inspiration and Scholarly Foundations
Even as a doctoral student embarking on my career, I was drawn to Kristina’s groundbreaking publications, particularly her work on student affairs, program development, assessment, and evaluation. Her scholarly contributions were not confined to theory; she was a pioneer in action, consistently building exemplary student-athlete development programs at institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Rutgers University, and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Dr. Navarro was a leading voice, constantly shaping national conversations and pushing the boundaries of the field.
My personal journey with this pioneer began in 2016 when I mustered the courage to introduce myself. Intimidated by her stature and inspired by her work, I was met with quintessential Kristina generosity. Her response was filled with quick wit, genuine care, and her distinctive Midwestern charm. Kristina had an incredible ability to be fully present and human in every interaction. From that moment, our mentor-mentee relationship blossomed.
Collaborative Innovation and National Impact
In 2018, alongside my esteemed mentor and friend Dr. Lisa Rubin, we secured the opportunity to host a General Session on assessment and evaluation at the prestigious National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)-N4A Convention. This felt like a pivotal moment, as the field was striving for new standards of practice. Our first call was to Kristina. We knew we couldn’t undertake this endeavor without her guidance. She was the driving force behind this critical work. We built upon the foundation laid by “Implementing Student-Athlete Programming: A Guide for Supporting College Athletes,” a seminal book co-authored by Dr. Rubin, the late Dr. Geoff Mamerow, and Dr. Navarro herself.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton
Mentorship and Professional Growth
Kristina’s mentorship extended throughout my career, guiding me through roles at Boston University and my current position at Cal, as she did for countless others. From 2019-2021, we co-chaired the NACDA-N4A Standards & Assessment Sub-Committee, and in 2021 and 2022, we served together as faculty within the Steve McDonnell Professional Development Institute (PDI) Student-Athlete Development Track.
One achievement we were particularly proud of was the inaugural N4A Student-Athlete Development White Paper, published in 2022. It was a privilege to contribute alongside a dedicated group of colleagues, establishing the first-ever industry competencies and standards under the guidance of past-president Ashton Henderson M.A., MBA, Mark Trumbo, and Lamarr Pottinger.
From Mentor to Cherished Friend
A remarkable aspect of this profession is the deep sense of community within NACDA-N4A. It’s still surreal to think that Kristina, who began as a role model, evolved into one of my closest friends in the industry.
Continuing the Vision and Honoring a Pioneer
Kristina was perpetually driven to advance the profession. Regardless of her title – Assistant Chancellor, Director of Athletics, or Tenured Faculty member – she remained grounded in humility. No task was too grand or too insignificant for her attention. The napkin sketch above, from a post-convention dinner, exemplifies her constant brainstorming and forward-thinking approach. We will realize these aspirations one day, Kristina, in your honor.
This past October, Kristina invited me to my first College Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS), which became our last in-person opportunity to strategize and envision the future of our field together.
On our #TeamChangetheIndustry thread, our most recent discussions centered on enhancing the N4A Program Review under Dr. Joe Luckey’s leadership. Our final formal meeting on this topic was just days before her passing, on Friday, November 17th. We were also actively developing version 2.0 of the Student-Athlete Development White Paper.
We are committed to continuing this vital work, forever honoring her pioneering spirit and legacy.
Even in her final week, Kristina made time to mentor me through my professional path. Our last text exchange on Friday night included her encouragement for me to apply to the PDI Executive Track, a testament to her unwavering belief in my potential. I didn’t know it would be our last conversation. True to form, Kristina was always pushing us to reach further. Our conversations seamlessly transitioned from professional matters to personal reflections, a testament to the depth of our connection.
Did I express my gratitude adequately? Did I convey the profound impact she had on my career and life often enough? I can only hope so. Kristina’s inspiration, leadership, honest counsel, warmth, humor, and unwavering support will be deeply missed. Today, the question lingers: how do we continue this important work without her physical presence?
With heartfelt love and gratitude to Kristina’s husband Nick, daughter Karina, family, friends, and the Platteville community. Our NACDA-N4A family holds you close in our thoughts. May her memory be eternal.
P.S. This is but one personal story – one of many that could be shared. I am grateful for the opportunity to put these reflections to paper, even if imperfectly, just as Kristina always encouraged.
