A1: "Academics is the most important thing. But we know that people care more deeply about athletics. Donors will give to both if you create that balance. We have to be as equitable as possible..." #MPC2023
A1: "Leaders need to remind folks of the benefits of athletics – e.g. enrollment can go up if teams win #MarchMadness – but leaders also need to remind folks of academic wins... it's all about the balance." #MPC2023
A1: "It's #studentsuccess first. Especially during the pandemic, we needed to put students first. Sometimes it includes making some tough decisions – some sports may need to go. Student's academic priorities always come first." #MPC2023
Q2: How do you resolve conflicts over funding between academics and athletics conflicts, especially from alumni and other stakeholders who may exert pressure on your administration?
A2: "If donors want to donate to a specific project that has to do with athletics, you have to consider how it plays into your university budget when it comes to upkeep... it's not a matter of yes or no, it's a matter of steering into the right direction. That's our job" #MPC2023
A2: "You have to think long-term. While the football stadium might need some repairs, you have to consider that football might not be here in the same way in 10 years... some decisions might sting in the now but be better in the later." #MPC2023
Q3: Can you describe an instance where you had to make a difficult decision related to prioritizing academics that upset students or alumni?
A3: "Definitely eliminating 3 sports... We were just carrying too many teams and too many athletes. It's the hard decisions that are tough, but sometimes they're needed to sustain #studentsuccess" #MPC2023
Q4: How has name, image, likeness (NIL) impacted how you approach balancing athletics and academic priorities? What are some considerations we should be mindful of?
A4: "We're need to think about how we treat our students, particularly men of color. We should be putting in more institutional support and benefits for our student athletes. Otherwise, they get hurt, they lose scholarships, and they're kicked out..." #MPC2023
A4: "There should be a greater sense of stability for our athletes. Of course they can have the freedom to go elsewhere, but we need to focus on retaining and providing support for our student athletes as well." #MPC2023