In this podcast episode, Dr. Karen Weaver interviews Sean Frazier, the Vice President and Director of Athletics at Northern Illinois University (NIU). They discuss the evolving landscape of Division I athletics, focusing on NIU's strategic decisions in response to recent NCAA changes, the transfer portal, and the implications of the enrollment cliff. Frazier outlines the critical areas influencing NIU's athletic model, including the NCAA House settlement, name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations, and the expansion of the college football playoff. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication with stakeholders and the need for a strategic approach to recruitment and retention in light of demographic shifts. In this conversation, Sean Frazier discusses the integral role of athletics in higher education, emphasizing the importance of using sports as a tool for education and personal development. He highlights the collaborative relationship with the university president, focusing on trust and shared goals for the institution. Frazier addresses the challenges of balancing the strengths of different athletic programs, particularly in the context of conference affiliations. He also navigates the complexities of the new era of college athletics, including the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on student-athletes and the importance of mental health support for staff.