Our Operating Philosophy
We operate from a foundation built upon the student-athlete.
The student-athlete is the only constant, common denominator in collegiate athletics. Rules change. Facilities change. Conferences may disband, realign or expand. New coaches bring new philosophies and strategies. Athletic Directors, Presidents, and other campus personnel all change over the course of time, and with them come different management and leadership styles. The only component of collegiate athletics that remains consistent is the student-athlete. The student-athlete, no matter what era, wants a positive experience that makes their educational experience better. Campuses must strive to achieve this.
We often hear institutions talk about the “student-first” model, or the true student-athlete environment. And schools talk about the “balance” of athletics and academics or of proper perspective and priorities, emphasizing that academics are first and foremost for its student-athletes. These are all perfectly good values, but I believe these should describe intercollegiate athletics at any program at any level. However, too many instutions "latch on" to the student-athlete label without commiting to a program that truly supports and lives the experience. I believe institutions that can demonstrate how they embrace and integrate these values into the campus culture will thrive, particularly with recruitment and retention efforts.
Athletics success should be centered on three primary areas: 1) student-athlete development, 2) responsible leadership, and 3) broad-based competitive excellence.
Student-Athlete Development
The athletics program must clearly define its purpose from a student outcomes perspective, emphasizing these areas:
- Physical- All student-athletes must improve physically; they must get stronger, faster and more technically sound, regardless of how each arrives on campus.
- Intellectual- All students must develop critical thinking and decision-making skills while fully embracing the process of learning in all activities during their educational experience.
- Social/emotional- All students must learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflict and earn opportunities to lead.
- Moral/ethical- All student-athletes must accept their roles and responsibility to represent the broader community.
Responsible Leadership
Coaches and staff must teach and nurture, not simply instruct, and regularly demonstrate a commitment to institutional values.
Broad-based Competitive Excellence
Beginning with active recruitment to enroll student-athletes who will succeed, each program must provide equitable experiences, based on common principles and values.
Finally, competitive excellence alone does not equal success if we have not achieved objectives in student-athlete development and responsible leadership. All assessment and evaluation should consider these primary areas in addition to customary job duties and performance expectations.