r. Karen Weaver discusses the complexities of private equity in college athletics with Michael LaSalle from Shamrock Capital Advisors. They explore the definition of private equity, the governance structures of universities, and the potential conflicts that arise when integrating private equity into athletic departments. The conversation also delves into marketing strategies, branding, and the future of college athletics in the context of private equity investments.

Dr. Darryll Pines, the president of the University of Maryland, discusses the evolving landscape of college athletics and higher education. He addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by recent changes, including the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on student-athletes, the role of private equity in college sports, and the importance of collaboration among institutions. Dr. Pines emphasizes the need for a new governance model to ensure fairness and compliance in college athletics while navigating the complexities of leadership in higher education during a time of significant change.

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.

Welcome to the podcast. Today, we'll navigate the crossroads of higher education and college sports. We'll explore how institutions must reassess their place in today's landscape, not where they stood decades ago. Joining me is Father Malachi Van Tassell, President of St. Francis University, to discuss their pivotal Division I transition decision to Division III.

For so many college students around the country, March Madness creates opportunities to build brackets and watch them dissolve. However, since mobile sports betting became as easy as picking up your phone, the dynamic has changed. My guest today is Dr. Lindsey Mortenson, Chief Mental Health Officer for the University of Michigan, Lindsey is a psychiatrist by training and focuses on the emerging crisis surrounding student mental health on college campuses.

We're joined by journalist Eric Kelderman from the Chronicle of Higher Education. Erik has covered college administration for years, with a focus on the challenges facing campus leaders. From accreditation to finance to public perception, Eric brings deep insight into the forces shaping higher ed.

Eric has written many fine pieces for theChronicle; one of his recent pieces was on tiny Lourdes University in Ohio and their struggles with athletics and maintaining enrollment.

The title: “We have more athletes than fans”!

Karen Weaver sits down with the News & Observer higher education reporter Korie Dean to discuss a brewing governance battle within the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. They explore a recent controversy involving UNC System President Peter Hans, who called out campus trustees for overstepping their authority—particularly in the high-profile hiring of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick as UNC Chapel Hill’s new football coach. 

Dean unpacks the power struggles between trustees, chancellors, and the Board of Governors, shedding light on a pattern of trustees asserting influence beyond their advisory role. From athletic department budgets to the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, this episode examines how political and financial pressures are reshaping university leadership. 

Tim Nevius, founder of Nevius Legal and FAIR Sports, discusses the evolving landscape of college athletics, NIL agreements, and revenue-sharing models.

He explains FAIR’s role in dispute resolution for athletes, universities, and stakeholders, offering insights on arbitration, mediation, and contractual complexities in college sports. FAIR’s website is https://fairsports.org/

In this insightful episode, Dr. Karen Weaver sits down with Michael LeRoy, a labor and employment relations professor at the University of Illinois, and dive into the implications of NIL contracts and the potential for privatization of collegiate sports. LeRoy reveals surprising details about Big Ten and SEC NIL agreements, the potential sub-licensing of athlete rights, and the looming challenges surrounding Title IX compliance.

We also explore why university presidents likely resist athlete unionization, why that may unwittingly benefit the athletes, and how shifting financial models may force mid-major schools to reconsider their place in Division I athletics.

This thought-provoking discussion challenges listeners to rethink the direction of college sports and higher education.

My guest is Thomas Ehrlich, Indiana University's president emeritus, former provost at the University of Pennsylvania and Dean of the Stanford Law School. Tom was a member of the Big Ten's COP/C council (Council of Presidents and Chancellors) when Penn State joined the Big Ten and Bobby Knight roamed the sidelines of Hoosier Basketball.

Our conversation dives into college athletics, campus politics, and Tom’s new book titled "The Search" which provides a fictional take on searching for a new head football coach as seen from a presidential perspective.  We cover everything from leadership challenges, athletic directors, NCAA controversies, to how money in sports shapes decisions today.

Tom is now retired, but he still teaches at Stanford at the age of 90.