Chief executives of nearly 100 colleges and universities challenged the NAIA Council of Presidents and senior staff during the September 27-28 NAIA Presidential Congress in Kansas City to sharpen its focus as the leader in character-driven intercollegiate athletics.
Council of Presidents Chair Dene Thomas and NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr led a far-ranging, open discussion among chief executives on the direction of the Association and the value institutions place on membership in the NAIA.
"The Congress provided a wonderful platform for presidents to gather together, share ideas, discuss strategies and plan for the future as the NAIA continues to be transformed to meet the needs of its member institutions," said Thomas.
During the Council of Presidents meeting prior to the congress, council members affirmed the recommendation of its NAIA presidential working group to end discussion with the NCAA related to integration. Against that backdrop, speakers returned often to one message throughout the forum: it is time to focus on the special niche occupied by NAIA institutions, without reservation or apology. As Georgetown College President William Crouch noted in opening remarks, "No longer can we allow others to define the NAIA's success."
"The time is right for the NAIA," said Dr. Shirley Mullen, president, Houghton College. "Now, more than ever there is a recognition in our society of the challenges of mixing athletics and higher education. The time is ripe for a truly counter-cultural view of athletics - one that puts the priority on the development of the athlete for present and future effectiveness in society rather than on the benefit of athletics for the college or university."
Dr. Thomas agreed. "Student-athlete development and character education are at the root of our actions, and I am pleased and motivated that the presidents in attendance demonstrated a commitment to the NAIA and moving this organization forward."
Informal electronic balloting and conversation throughout the congress affirmed presidents' continued commitment to core characteristics centered around integrity and character in intercollegiate athletics, described by Carr as the association's "True North." Ballot results and a number of speakers recognized recent accomplishments in the adoption of clear standards for presidential leadership, conduct in competition and character education, but also encouraged the NAIA to place more emphasis on accountability, excellence and innovation in advancing the strategic plan.
"NAIA presidents are adamant about focusing on what really matters in college athletics," said John Reynders, president of Morningside College, "This is not about the size of the scoreboard; it's not about making the ESPN ticker. What matters is the maturation of young people to thinking, caring adults. The common sense approach of the NAIA fosters the same personal connections, those caring relationships that distinguish small colleges in higher education. We must be true to that fundamental educational purpose."
Almost without exception, those in attendance agreed on the importance of presidential leadership in the NAIA and noted the substantial advances in conference leadership, encouraged by national standards adopted this spring to require conference presidential councils, specific areas of presidential authority and required conference meetings. "We were very much encouraged by the level of participation in this congress, especially given the many challenges facing college presidents on their campuses today," Carr noted. "Presidents challenged us to be creative in the ways we involve them, looking for smart, efficient solutions. But I think the message was clear: We have made great strides in recent years, and now it's time to build on those advances. We have a unique niche, core supporters, and now, new energy and opportunities. Let's not waste time; let's move ahead."
Among the most significant challenges identified by presidents was closing the NAIA recognition gap, especially among high school students and their families. Several presidents applauded a decision of the Council of Presidents earlier in the weekend to establish an NAIA Eligibility Center to review eligibility for all entering student-athletes. They noted that this approach would increase consistency and accountability in eligibility decisions and, at the same time, provide a powerful communications channel to the nation's high schools and students.
Many of those in attendance advocated that the NAIA refocus its communications strategy on the association's core customers, including the secondary school community, and articulate members' strengths in personal attention, leadership and educational opportunity. Others noted the potential for rapid advances in branding through cost-effective social networking, viral marketing and new media.
"This was a very wide-ranging discussion," Carr noted, "with some candid suggestions for how the NAIA can improve. I want to emphasize that we have a lot of work ahead to make sure those comments and suggestions are not lost. This congress provided an excellent forum, and an even better opportunity to take a hard look at ourselves and assess our progress to date."
In coming days, congress attendees will receive a more complete record of informal balloting results and additional information regarding discussions over the two-day meetings. A detailed report of actions from the weekend's Council of Presidents meeting will be posted online.
