The CALS Report

In this episode of The CALS Report, we sit down with two of the most respected young voices in the industry: Clemson Director of Athletics Graham Neff and Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon. Hosted by Ryan Bradley, this candid conversation covers everything from navigating the transition to the AD chair, to the impact of the House Settlement, to building trust and driving innovation inside major athletic departments.

They also reflect on their personal journeys, professional growth, and how CALS has shaped their leadership philosophies.

Then in The Leadership Playbook, guest host Clay Scroggins (How to Lead When You're Not in Charge) sits down with Jamie Boggs (GCU) and Jared Mosley (North Texas) to discuss what it takes to lead when you’re not in charge. They offer practical advice on influence, communication, and staying grounded while leading in high-pressure roles.

This episode of The CALS Report Podcast is brought to you by Teamworks—the Operating System for Sports™. Trusted by over 5,000 teams, Teamworks is the strategic partner helping collegiate athletic departments navigate change, streamline operations, and deliver an exceptional student-athlete experience. Learn more at Teamworks.com

College athletics is evolving faster than ever, and the leaders shaping its future are tackling complex challenges head-on. In this episode of The CALS Report, we bring you exclusive conversations with some of the industry's top decision-makers, offering valuable insight into the shifting landscape of college sports.

From navigating legislative changes to building lasting careers in the industry, this episode is packed with expert perspectives and leadership wisdom.

Episode 6 of The CALS Report features an exclusive conversation with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, offering a deep dive into the future of college athletics. Sankey discusses the House Settlement, the path toward a new normal, and the leadership required to navigate change in today’s evolving landscape. He also reflects on the SEC’s historic basketball season, lessons learned from the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, the importance of consensus-building, and the personal growth strategies that have shaped his career.

In The Lobby, three senior leaders from the American Athletic Conference—Joe Fields from Tulsa, Jessie Gardner from North Texas, and Jana Woodson from Tulane—join a career-focused roundtable. They take questions from graduate assistants who served as interns at CALS 24, providing insight on building a successful career in college athletics, leadership strategies for long-term impact, and the mindset needed to grow and thrive in a competitive industry.

This episode is packed with leadership wisdom, career advice, and an insider’s perspective on the biggest issues shaping college athletics today.

Episode 5 of The CALS Report takes you behind the curtain of college athletics like never before! From the thrill of the expanded playoff to transformative leadership insights, this episode delivers compelling stories and practical advice straight from the industry’s top voices.

In this episode, Ryan Bradley interviews Boise State Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey and Arizona State Athletics Director Graham Rossini. Fresh off their programs’ participation in the first-ever 12-team expanded playoff, they provide a behind-the-scenes look at their experiences. From operations and fundraising to marketing strategies, they share how they plan to sustain momentum and drive success moving forward. They also tackle current issues in college athletics, reflect on leadership lessons, and offer advice for the next generation of administrators.

PLUS, in our new segment, "The Leadership Playbook," Ryan talks with author, speaker, and leadership expert Clay Scroggins. Clay shares strategies for cultivating influence at every level of an organization and insights to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of 2025.

CALS Director Will Reece opens the episode with a special announcement about the 4th Annual CALS 1 Day event. Don’t miss the exciting details!

In this episode, Ryan Bradley sits down with Tommy McClelland, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Rice University, to explore his incredible journey. From becoming the youngest Division 1 Athletic Director at just 26 to leading Rice Athletics since August 2023, Tommy offers invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and making impactful decisions, including recent head coach hires in football and basketball.

PLUS, don’t miss "The Lobby", where CALS alumni and industry leaders Lauren Adee (SMU), Haven Fields (Nebraska), and Ryan Peck (TCU) dive into navigating transitions and the ever-evolving world of college sports

In this episode, Ryan Bradley sits down with Wren Baker, Vice President & Director of Athletics at West Virginia, for a compelling conversation on leadership in college athletics. Wren shares insights on building active and supportive networks, hiring and managing successful coaching staffs, and his incredible journey through the ranks of college sports.

The episode also features "The Lobby" Roundtable with Eric Wood, Ed.D (Ole Miss), Marcus Sedberry (Wisconsin), and Kevin White (Clemson). These Deputy ADs dive into football sports supervision and administration, sharing lessons learned in supporting high-level programs and coaches, strategies for success in overseeing collegiate football, and key leadership takeaways from their careers.

In Episode 2 of the CALS Report we’re joined by Joey Bailey (Mississippi State), Chris Davis (Georgia Southern), and Marshall Steward (Tennessee). They’re breaking down the highlights from CALS 24 and diving into key takeaways on leadership, networking, and the event’s impact on the college athletics community. Next, Ryan Bradley sits down with CALS cornerstone, Forest Reece, who has been with us since 2011, helping shape CALS into what it is today. Hear about his journey, his thoughts on the event’s growth, and the heart behind it all. Don’t miss this chance to hear from the man behind the scenes!

In this clip, Forest Reece, CALS’ go-to guy since the event’s inception in 2011, reflects on the most rewarding parts of being involved in CALS over the past 14 years.

In this clip from The CALS Report, Jeff Mitchell, Athletic Director at Ball State, highlights the importance of building, growing, and maintaining your network throughout your career. Mitchell shares the invaluable benefits he’s gained from forming authentic relationships during his 13 years attending the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS). Learn how these connections have shaped his journey in college athletics and why networking is crucial for success in leadership roles.

Catch the full episode for more insights from top leaders in the industry!

In this clip from The CALS Report, Hunter Yurachek, Athletic Director at the University of Arkansas, shares what it takes to lead in today’s rapidly changing college athletics environment. Yurachek emphasizes the importance of being a constant learner, a sponge for information, and staying nimble and willing to change and adjust. His insights are essential for any aspiring leader or athletic administrator looking to navigate the evolving landscape of college sports.

Listen to the full episode for more leadership advice from top industry professionals!

In this clip from The CALS Report, Randale Richmond, Athletic Director at Kent State, shares his personal experience with the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium. Richmond describes CALS as the "All-Star Game" of professional development, offering unique opportunities for growth, networking, and connection in college athletics. Listen as he reflects on how CALS has helped shape his leadership journey and career trajectory in the world of sports administration.

Catch the full episode to hear more from industry leaders like Hunter Yurachek, Bryan Blair, Jeff Mitchell, and more!