Trustees and Presidents: A Podcast for University Leaders On College Athletics

How many former Division I athletes become a president of a Division I school?

My guest today is Steve Stoute, former Seton Hall soccer player who is now the president at Canisius University. His career path has offered him unique insights and influence at one of the pivotal moments in college athletics history. We explore the financial challenges faced by non-power conference institutions, the impact of NIL on recruitment, and the importance of supporting women's athletics.

Stoute emphasizes the need for mental health resources for student-athletes and reflects on the implications of recent governance changes in the NCAA. He also shares insights for aspiring college presidents on navigating the complexities of college sports.

Ross Dellinger of Yahoo Sports, one of the very best college football reporters, joins the podcast. We discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics post-July 1, 2025, particularly focusing on athlete compensation, collective bargaining, and the implications of new legislation. We discuss the recent support for collective bargaining from athletic directors, the establishment of the College Sports Commission, and the role of arbitration in NIL deals. Dellinger also shares insights on the SCORE Act and predictions for the future of college athletics, emphasizing the ongoing changes and challenges in the industry.

Ross' article's: https://sports.yahoo.com/author/ross-dellenger/

Dr. Daniel Allen, president of LaSalle University, joins the podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics. We discuss the challenges facing higher education, including enrollment and funding, the impact of NIL and revenue sharing, and the importance of maintaining a strong athletic identity while balancing academic priorities.

Dr. Allen shares insights on recruitment strategies, faculty engagement, and the role of philanthropy in supporting university missions. The conversation also touches on the governance of college athletics and the need for effective communication with alumni and fans about changes in the sports landscape.

Dr. Cheryl McConnell, president of St. Joseph's University, discusses the challenges and transformations in higher education, particularly in the context of athletics and university identity. She emphasizes the need for strategic decision-making amidst chaos, the importance of aligning athletics with the university's mission, and the complexities of navigating NCAA regulations and legal challenges. Dr. McConnell also shares insights on board dynamics, campus expansion, and offers advice for aspiring college presidents.

Join host Karen Weaver and economist Dr. Dan Rascher as they decode the landmark House v. NCAA case, revealing how antitrust rules, NIL rights, and billion-dollar settlements will reshape college athletics and empower student-athletes. Uncover the real numbers behind past damages dating back to 2016 and learn how video game, broadcast, and future NIL payouts—totaling $2.77 B—could redefine scholarships, roster sizes, and competitive balance. A must-listen for fans, scholars, and athletes alike.

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.