LAURA
LE DUC
Visionary Innovator Problem Solver Community Builder
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
I elevate people, create thriving and connected communities, and help individuals and organizations reach their potential. In my career and in my life, I seek out ways to make a difference.
“The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
EXPERTISE
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & EFFECTIVENESS
Mission statements and strategic plans are mere words if they are not implemented with a well-designed plan to regularly evaluate the extent to which the organization is meeting its stated goals.
STRATEGIC PLANNING & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
As the founder of two nonprofits, I learned that the keys to a thriving institution are its mission and strategic plan. Strategic plans centered on achieving the organization's mission and designed through a collaborative process involving all stakeholders provide the organization with a road map to ensure that decisions support its purpose, vision, values, culture, goals, and priorities.
COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT
In my roles as chief compliance officer I have overseen institutional compliance with the NCAA, ABA, HLC, U.S. Department of Education, State of Michigan, and the Florida Commission for Independent Education. As a nonprofit founder and officer, I handle all aspects of insurance, human resources, 501(c)(3) formation and compliance, and risk management.
DATA ANALYSIS & PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS
At WMU-Cooley, I designed and implemented institutional data control and verification processes to assure reliability and accuracy of reported data. I created predictive analytical models to improve organizational decision-making and evaluation, including school’s outcome-based admissions formula that predicts applicant law school GPA.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
The key to a successful nonprofit is building and nurturing a community united by its mission. The two nonprofits I founded were for specific purposes, but long-term success came because we looked beyond simply meeting an identified need. Leading these nonprofits, I helped stakeholders realize that we could provide far beyond expectations and increase social capital both within the organization and throughout the greater community.
ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATION & POSITIVE COACHING
I've served as an administrator at the collegiate level and coached at the collegiate, high school, middle school, and youth levels. I've launched new programs and turned others around. My coaching experiences mirror my background as a three-sport collegiate athlete: soccer, swimming, and track & field, as well as basketball. No matter the level, my philosophy centers on mentoring athletes in a positive and supportive environment to become the best they can be.
EXPERIENCE
HIGHER EDUCATION NONPROFIT ATHLETICS
HIGHER EDUCATION
THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL
Associate Dean of Planning, Assessment, & Accreditation
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WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Asst. Athletic Director for Administration & Chief of Staff
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AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE
Asst. Director of Athletics & NCAA Compliance Coordinator Head Soccer Coach Head Swim Coach Head Basketball Coach
NONPROFIT
TROJAN AQUATICS
MID-MICHIGAN RAPTOR WATER POLO
Founder and Head Coach
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OAKHURST COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL
Founder and President
COLLEGIATE & PRO SPORTS
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Asst. Athletic Director for Administration & Chief of Staff ​​
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AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE
Asst. Director of Athletics & NCAA Compliance Coordinator
Head Soccer Coach Head Swim Coach Head Basketball Coach
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EMORY UNIVERSITY
Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach
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PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
Assistant Women’s Swim Coach
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CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Assistant Swim Coach
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ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE
Assistant Swim Coach
ATLANTA CLASSICS W-LEAGUE SOCCER
General Manager
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WUSA’s ATLANTA BEAT
Game Day Production Coordinator/Stadium Announcer
SCHOOL & YOUTH SPORTS
EAST LANSING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Middle School Swim Coach
DRUID HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
Community Girls Soccer Coach
STEEL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Head Girls Swim Coach
VENETIAN POOLS
Head Swim Coach
SAINT ANN’S SCHOOL
Middle School Soccer & Track Coach
EAST LANSING SOCCER CLUB
Youth Soccer Coach
BLUE STARS SOCCER CLUB
Girls U10 to U12 Coach
ADVANTAGE CAMPS
Owner
Soccer & Basketball Camps
EDUCATION
J.D. UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
cum laude
B.A. EMORY UNIVERSITY
Visiting Student: PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
Case note published in Pepperdine Law Review Volume 23:1.
Music Major - Vocal Performance
Varsity Soccer   Swimming  Track & Field
Bridge’s Trophy  Dean's List
ACCOLADES & CERTIFICATIONS
"Look out 'cause here I come. I'm marching on to the beat I drum. I'm not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me."
~Benj Pasek/Justin Paul
Licensed, State Bar of Georgia
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Ally, Michigan Task Force for Women in Sport
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NCAA Women Coaches Academy and 2.0​
Positive Coaching Alliance
Capitol Area Middle School Swim & Dive
Boys Champions 2022, 2020, 2019, 2016
Girls Champions 2024, 2nd 2023, 2019 3rd 2020, 2018
City of East Lansing Community Crystal Award 2023
Atlantic States Swim Championships Coach of the Year
University Athletic Association Women’s Soccer Coaching Staff of the Year
Great South Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year
