PROFESSOR: What is the role of intercollegiate athletics
within the mission of the American university?
If athletic programs are to be justified,
they must be able to identify themselves
with the mission of the university.
To a greater or lesser extent, D2 universities
have a three-pronged mission, namely teaching, research,
and public service.
How does your athletic department
fit within the mission of your university?
This is a critical question that needs to be addressed.
After assessing the fit between the mission of the university
and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics,
the next step is to evaluate the department in terms of the three
generally accepted quality fit indices utilized
in the academy, namely excellence, uniqueness,
and centrality.
There are many justifications that can be proposed.
However, one of the strongest arguments
for the continued presence and expansion of athletic programs
in our D2 universities are the educational opportunities,
participation offers for student athletes.
While the lessons learned in math, science,
and the languages are important, the teachable moments
and lessons learned in athletics are
vital to the overall development of each student athlete.