The hard choices — what we most fear doing, asking, saying — are very often exactly what we need to do. How can we overcome self-paralysis and take action? Tim Ferriss encourages us to fully envision and write down our fears in detail, in a simple but powerful exercise he calls “fear-setting.” Learn more about […]
PoA078 | Paul Plinske, University of Nebraska, Kearney
In this episode, Dr. Paul Plinske talks about his experiences a perennial Division III powers University of Wisconsin Whitewater and Wisconsin La Crosse and some of the similarities and differences between NCAA divisions. He also has great thoughts on leadership and career advancement. Appointed by Chancellor Doug Kristensen as the ninth Director of Athletics in […]
PoA077 | Gary Gray, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
In this episode Gary Gray shares his background and experiences in intercollegiate athletics, including candid conversation about the state of Alaska’s severe budget crisis and the impacts on his program. Gray was named Director of Athletics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in September 2012, and assumed his full-time duties on Sept. 24, 2012. He […]
PoA076 | Nan Carney-Debord, Denison University
In this episode Nan Carney-Debord discusses her career in athletics, transitioning from a highly successful basketball coach, teacher and administrator into the Athletics Director role at her alma mater. She talks about creating an environment that is “structurally conducive for optimal motivation” in her department and also her “get into the weeds” career advice for up-and-comers. Carney-DeBord […]
PoA075 | Gary Williams, Wittenberg University
In this episode, Gary Williams discusses his transition into his first athletics director role and also how he has been managing a presidential transition since his arrival at Wittenberg two and a half years ago. Gary Williams, Ph.D., became Wittenberg University’s Director of Athletics and Recreation on June 1, 2014. Williams replaced Garnett Purnell, who […]
The Role of Athletics in Student-Athletes’ Lives
Student-athletes are held to higher standards than the typical student. NCAA or other regulatory bodies have rules that determine eligibility in ways that theatre and music, for example, do not. Also unlike theater and music, student-athletes’ time commitments to their chosen co-curricular activity often comes into question. Is it fair? In our work and research, […]
Student-Athlete Transition Support Programs
It may be too long ago for many of us to clearly recall our own experiences, but incoming student-athletes go through a major transition when they arrive on your campus. Most are first-year students, recently graduated from high school, living away from home for the first time. Adjusting to a new environment presents student-athletes with […]
Putting Your Mission in Motion
Most athletic department mission statements sound the same: “…support the mission of the college… develop student-athletes… promote diversity, tolerance and acceptance… build champions on and off the playing field…. academic success…” and several other catch phrases. These all represent valid goals, but what do they really mean for each institution? Are they real, pursuable goal […]