NACDA Podcast

Original air date: July 14, 2020

Sports have frequently been recognized as a vehicle for bringing people together despite individual differences. As our country continues to navigate the social injustices in society, intercollegiate athletics plays an important part in the journey to educate and influence positive change through the younger generation student-athletes. While diversity and inclusion plans may have previously existed in athletics departments, putting those plans into action is more important than ever. In this session, panelists Mike Aresco, Commissioner, American Athletic Conference; Sean Frazier, Associate Vice President & Director of Athletics, Northern Illinois University; and Renae Myles Payne, Senior Associate AD for Administration, University of Miami, will discuss a few case studies within the industry highlighting D&I plans that departments have executed as intercollegiate athletics seeks to be a catalyst for change.

Original air date: July 9, 2020

Sponsored content session by 4Topps Premium Seating

The fan experience and revenue creation have never been more important for venues around the country. Deron Nardo, President, and Dan Barrett, Chief Revenue Officer, at 4Topps Premium Seating share industry insights, provide real world examples of successful concepts and open your mind to seating solutions that will create new donor, ticket and sponsor revenue. This session showcases how college and professional organizations across all sports are reimagining and modernizing the seating experience to attract and retain fans. Click here to view the presentation slides in PDF format.

Original air date: July 7, 2020

As athletics departments across the country navigate a return to campus and competition, the health and safety of the student-athletes is paramount in the planning process. This session explores the practices and procedures of a few departments as it relates to their commitment to the student-athletes and upholding established health standards for the safety of everyone involved. The panelists include: Rick Hart, Director of Athletics, Southern Methodist University; Diana Sabau, Deputy Director of Athletics, The Ohio State University; and Bren Stevens, Director of Athletics, University of Charleston. Utilize the following links to view each panelist's institution health & safety acknowledgement document/pledge: Charleston; Ohio State; SMU

Original air date: June 30, 2020

Session presented by Dynamic Pricing Partners

The popular saying by Peter Drucker that 'culture eats strategy for breakfast, lunch and dinner' has never been more profound as we face challenging times in college athletics. Learn how industry leaders create, develop and organically grow culture within their respective athletics department as they share hands-on perspective and best practices. The panelists include: Ross Bjork, Director of Athletics, Texas A&M University; Dennis Francois, Director of Athletics, Central Washington University; and Sherryta Freeman, Director of Athletics, Lafayette College.

Original air date: June 25, 2020

Sponsored content session by Zipwhip

This session with Zipwhip is all about collegiate sports and how they are leveraging texting in today’s environment and planning for the future. You’ll learn: Why texting is important; How your institution can use texting; Key considerations when selecting a vendor for business texting, and more. Click here to view the presentation slides in PDF format.

Original air date: June 24, 2020

We are living in the middle of a social justice movement and sports are our conduit for change. Student-athlete voices are being heard today more than ever before, but athletics administrators need to ensure that these words lead to action and move us forward. Listen and learn from panelists Maria Taylor, ESPN; Allen Greene, Auburn; China Jude, Wyoming; and NACDA President Warde Manuel, Michigan, in one of the most insightful, engaging and important discussions surrounding race and college athletics today.

Original air date: June 23, 2020

Session presented by Dynamic Pricing Partners

You got the job, now what? Nothing can truly prepare you for everything you will encounter in those first 100 days in the AD chair. Session panelists Whit Babcock, Director of Athletics, Virginia Tech; Brent Jones, Director of Athletics, Troy University; and Kim Pate, Director of Athletics, Lenoir-Rhyne University,  discuss fundamental “pearls of wisdom” on what to expect during those first few months, and suggestions for how to navigate, plan, and organize to set yourself and your department on a path for success. 

Original air date: June 18, 2020

Drew Berst (Dimensional Innovations) and Dr. Kevin Boully (Persuasion Strategies) are back with their second round of fan sentiment survey results. They explain how fan fears have shifted from April to June 2020, and how that could potentially impact your live event planning. Click here to view the presentation slides in PDF format.

Original air date: June 17, 2020

Sponsored content session by Perkins & Will

Universities and colleges are working towards a phased approach to returning to training and competition during the response to the COVID-19 virus. Perkins and Will is partnering with clients to develop a road map for a safe return that requires a multifaceted approach. This session investigates several important considerations in moving from a response to transition phase, then towards a recovery phase once restrictions are lifted in various regions.​ The goal is to provide resources for a safe, healthy, and resilient return for athletes and fans. The panelists include: Mira Theisen, AIA, LEED AP®, Senior Associate, Perkins and Will; Jenna Cruff, NCIDQ, LEED GA®, Interior Design Director, Associate, Perkins and Will; Matt Whisenant, Deputy Director of Athletics, University of Wyoming; Anthony Grant, Director of Athletics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Stu Halsall, Associate Vice Chancellor/Deputy Athletics Director – Chief Operating Officer, University of Denver. Click here to view the presentation slides in PDF format.

Original air date: June 16, 2020

Session presented by Dynamic Pricing Partners

As many in the industry know, working in athletics is not a job but rather a lifestyle, and pursuing a leadership role takes deliberate planning and strategic thinking that will allow for a successful transition and career. This discussion opens dialogue around how to leverage current opportunities for future professional growth and best prepare for a rigorous interview process. The panelists, Pat Chun, Director of Athletics, Washington State University; Phil Esten, Vice President & Director of Athletics, University of St. Thomas; and Marie Tuite, Athletics Director, San Jose State University, provide key takeaways as they contemplate what the right next professional move might be while successfully positioning for their future.