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

Dr. Luke Wood, Sacramento State's ninth president, is leading an ambitious FCS to FBS transition for the university's football program. He discusses his vision for elevating athletics as an economic development engine, bringing celebrity coaches like Mike Bibby and Shaquille O'Neal to campus, advocating for revenue share as racial justice, and his bold prediction that Sac State will be...

Join Dr. Karen Weaver and special guest Armand Alacbay, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Government Relations at the American Council for Trustees and Alumni for a timely exploration of the Big Ten’s headline-making $2.4 billion private equity deal with UC Investments. Learn why top universities like Michigan and USC are hitting pause, how trustee oversight is essential in college sports fina...

University of San Diego President Jim Harris discusses the potential restructuring of the NCAA, particularly focusing on the Power Four conferences and their financial influence via football over all of college athletics. He suggests that these conferences could establish their own governance and rules, separate from the NCAA, to better manage their unique challenges, especially in football. This...

In a world where the financial dynamics of higher education are constantly shifting, understanding how universities manage their funds is crucial. Karen Weaver dives into an engaging discussion with Janet Lorin , a seasoned reporter from Bloomberg News, who sheds light on the intricate relationship between university endowments, student debt, and innovative revenue streams. The conversation kicks...

Dr. Karen Weaver engages with Dr. Eric Monday and Erik Judson to discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly at the University of Kentucky. They explore the formation of Champion Blue LLC, the importance of multimedia rights, and the role of private equity in enhancing university partnerships. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative thinking in higher education an...

Dr. Karen Weaver engages with Dr. Eric Monday, EVP and CFO at UKentucky, and Erik Judson, CEO of JMI Sports, to discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly at the University of Kentucky. They explore the formation of Champion Blue LLC, the importance of multimedia rights, and the role of private equity in enhancing university partnerships. The conversation emphasizes the need...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Karen Weaver discusses the complexities of data rights in college athletics with Kristy Gale, CEO of Honor Data Rights Management. They explore the ethical implications of data collection, the importance of educating athletes about their data rights, and the potential for universities to monetize athlete data while ensuring compliance with regulations. The conversation...

Karen Weaver interviews Dr. Daniel Mahony, the 10th president of the Southern Illinois University System. They discuss the unique structure of the SIU system, the challenges and opportunities in college athletics, and the importance of community engagement and student involvement. Dr. Mahony shares insights on financial management, legislative challenges, and the potential for creating athletic ma...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jill Murray, the first female president of Lackawanna College (PA), discusses the college's transition from NJCAA to NCAA Division II, highlighting the innovative changes and strategic planning involved. She emphasizes the importance of athletic development, student support, and expanding athletic programs to enhance student experiences. Dr. Murray also addresses the c...

"Winning in athletics is about more than just outcomes; it's about commitment and resources." Dr. Polly Peterson, president of the University of Jamestown, discusses the significant transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II athletics. She shares insights on strategic planning, community engagement, and the importance of maintaining a balance in athletic opportunities for both men and women. Dr. Pet...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Karen Weaver interviews Jonathan Marks, Chief Business Officer at Elevate, discussing the evolving landscape of college sports, the importance of premium hospitality, and the strategic investments Elevate is making to enhance the college sports experience. They explore how Elevate is helping colleges maximize revenue through innovative facility designs, technology inte...

Joining the podcast is Paia LaPalombara, a partner at the  Church Church Hittle + Antrim  law firm based near Indianapolis. She is a former NCAA Division I student-athlete and powerhouse strategist. She has advised institutions on the House v. NCAA settlement to structuring NIL licensing agreements and managing complex compliance issues.  Joining her is Connor Glass, an Associate Attorney at CCH+A...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Karen Weaver discusses the current state of higher education under the Trump administration with Dr. Jeanne Sheehan Zaino. Jeanne is a Bloomberg Media contributor and a Senior Democracy Fellow at The Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress. Her day job includes being an award-winning professor of Political Science & Intl. Studies at Iona University (N...

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 im...

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 S...

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,...

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...

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 scholar...

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 fut...

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...

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 influen...

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 cr...

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 Univ...

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...