HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton men's soccer student-athlete Joshua Marr has been selected as one of just 16 students nationwide to participate in the 2026 Collegiate Leadership Program through the American Red Cross—a highly competitive initiative developed in partnership with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics.

He is one of only three student-athletes chosen from NCCAA member institutions this year, joining peers from Grace College and Oakland City University, and representing Houghton among a select group of student leaders from across the country.

The Collegiate Leadership Program is designed to equip student-athletes with the tools to become influential servant-leaders both on and off campus. Participants are taking part in an immersive leadership training experience this June in Washington, D.C., where they will receive mentorship and professional development from senior Red Cross leaders.

Beginning in the fall of 2026, Marr will step into a visible leadership role on campus as a Red Cross ambassador—organizing blood drives, recruiting donors, and helping raise awareness of critical humanitarian needs.

He will also have the opportunity to establish a Red Cross Club at Houghton, expanding opportunities for students to serve and engage in life-saving initiatives.

"I am so grateful to Houghton University and the NCCAA for the opportunity to participate in the Red Cross Leadership program," said Marr. "As a Business Administration student who is hoping to go to nursing school after my time at Houghton, this was something I couldn't pass up.

"I am so beyond excited to be an ambassador for Houghton and for the American Red Cross. I hope to lead many blood drives when I get back to the campus for the fall semester to help our community. I would not have been able to do this without the support of the Houghton community."

For Houghton, a Christ-centered institution committed to preparing students to "lead and labor for the glory of God," Marr's selection reflects the heart of its mission. Through athletics, academics, and service, Highlander student-athletes are challenged to live out their faith in tangible ways.

The NCCAA, founded in 1968, shares that vision—using intercollegiate athletics as a platform to advance the Great Commission and develop leaders who impact the world for Christ. Marr's selection is a testament not only to his personal character and leadership, but also to the culture being cultivated within Houghton Athletics.

The work of the American Red Cross is both vast and vital. From disaster relief and humanitarian aid to supplying nearly 40 percent of the nation's blood, the organization depends on dedicated volunteers and leaders willing to step forward in moments of need.

Through this program, Marr will play a direct role in that mission—mobilizing his peers, strengthening his campus community, and helping save lives through increased blood donation efforts.