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HBCU Gameday’s Steven Gaither reports Valdosta State is thinking about a new home and could land in the SIAC as a trio of GSC Football members will join Conference Carolinas and Mississippi College will drop FB. SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman: “The brand is growing and for any institutions that are interested in the SIAC, it should be the right fit for our mission and our vision. We pride ourselves on being diligent with any inquiries we get. We haven’t received any inquiries. I personally haven’t made any overtures. […] The SIAC believes that it is a special and strong brand. We would not be surprised that people are interested in us. But we’ll be thoughtful and go through an operation that is driven by the council of presidents.” (link)

More from Wayne State (MI) AD Erika Wallace’s sit down with D2.ticker’s Anthony Grassi at the 2024 Women Leaders on Sports Convention as she touches on the Warriors’ $25M fieldhouse project, mental health support and more. The facility came about through a partnership with the Detroit Pistons and will serve as the home of the Pistons’ G League team in addition to WSU, which was even more valuable as the team just built their new performance center a few years earlier. “There's not a facility in the city that holds 3,000, kind of an intimate facility atmosphere and so we do have a lot of opportunities for rentals because we are right in the heart of the city. It is definitely a building that people want to use.” Early in her tenure, Wallace identified the need, like many of her peers have, for additional mental health support. WSU added an Asst. AD for Mental Health and Wellness position, which opened the door for more support. “It became evident to me that maybe it wasn't a sport psychologist that we needed, it was a social worker that could sit down with our student- athletes and really help them. But the main thing with that too was that if we had a social worker within our department, we could then become a practicum site for our School of Social Work and we could get interns in and we wouldn't have to pay for that. So once I hired the one person, we went from having zero to four within two months because we were able to bring in the practicum master students to get their hours in and so that's the model that we're going with right now. We have four, we need 10. I mean that is just what happens and so our student-athletes have utilized the services. There's one-on-one counseling services but then on top of that we're doing group sessions and having some advocates through SAAC get some training so that they can go back to their programs and their teams and communicate that. It has been, for me, just being able to watch our student-athletes actually have a need, voice the need, and then for us to be able to really help with that has been super fulfilling.” More on BOSCA. (link)

The quarterfinals for Football (link), Men’s Soccer (link) and Women’s Soccer (link) are set.

@1QLeadership Question: Can working in video production lead to a career in fundraising?

Joseph Walters, Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs and Chief Revenue Officer at Hampton University describes how his family-owned video production business has helped him to the role he currently holds in fundraising in college athletics.

• uses journalism background to tell the story of Hampton Athletics

• considers donors as investors

• minimizes workload in his mind to avoid nervousness

Walters explains how the naming rights are applied for significant gifts and talks about his desire to turn the relationships with donors from transactional to transformational. 🎧 on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

The Associated Press’ Ben Nuckols takes a look at how a GOP-controlled Congress could usher in college athletics reform, noting that Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who is set to take over as chair of the Commerce Committee, remarked recently that a college sports bill will be a top priority. Cruz, who has accused Democrats of dragging their feet on a college sports bill, has publicly opposed student-athletes becoming employees. “For example, the historically Black colleges and universities came together and said, ‘If you force us to treat student-athletes as employees, it’s going to cause us to cancel most of our athletic programs.’ That would be a disastrous outcome.” Former LEAD1 CEO Tom McMillen reiterated his position that the situation is “much more doable with Republicans in control,” adding: “From the standpoint of the NCAA’s perspective, this is sort of an ideal scenario for them.” However, Nuckols notes that any legislation coming from the Senate would need bipartisan support to reach the 60 votes needed to bypass a filibuster. On that score, there may be room for compromise, as Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the outgoing Commerce Committee chair, agrees with Cruz that the gap between the haves and have-nots is only growing. “Right now, big schools and their boosters are pitted against smaller schools. We need a predictable national NIL standard that will ensure a level playing field for college athletes and schools.” (link)

Saint Augustine’s has signed a 99-year real estate lease with 50 Plus 1, a stadium and development firm, that will see SAU receive $60M by the end of the calendar year and another $10M by the end of this academic year. Of note per WRAL News: “The audit also states 50 Plus 1 will split revenue made from any projects, including 65% to itself and 35% to the university for the first 15 years of the lease. This deal comes at a time when the university is trying to dig its way out of debt. It most recently took out a $7 million loan with Gothic Ventures, with terms that have concerned alumni and community advocates. 50 Plus 1 would help the university pay off existing debts, including 50% of accrued and unpaid interest and the prepayment premium on its Gothic Ventures loan. It’s not clear what parts of the land the university would be leasing.” (link)

Newberry will discontinue Women’s Rugby. AD Sean Johnson: “This is a difficult day for Newberry College Athletics. We value our female student-athletes and the sport of rugby, but unfortunately, despite the best efforts of two very capable head coaches we have not been able to achieve our institutional goals.” (link)

President-elect Donald Trump has proposed tariffs on several foreign imports, including a 60% tax on those from China, and Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) CEO Todd Smith tells Sportico’s Eben Novy-Williams: “It’s the topic that everyone in the industry is talking about. And there’s not a magic answer; there’s no magic solution.” Smith’s biggest fear is the cost of the tariffs will ultimately be passed on to consumers, and he says: “Whatever positives one might think can come from tariffs – jobs being relocated, or manufacturing coming back onshore – those benefits are going to be far superseded by the negative impact that we’re going to take on from healthcare costs, both physical and mental, as fewer people are able to access sports and fitness. That’s going to cost us a ton more money and create a ton more havoc than any benefit we might receive from tariffs.” To support his argument, Smith further explains that In 2017, it cost $115 to buy everything needed for one child to play soccer, including a ball, uniform, shin guards and cleats. Six years later, the cost has risen 46% to $168. Smith concludes: “The one consensus that I’m hearing across the industry is this. There’s never a good time to raise consumer prices, but from a sports and fitness standpoint, where the country more than ever needs people participating in an active lifestyle, this is the absolute worst time to raise prices.” (link)

It’s Personnel:

+ Johnson C. Smith hires Saint Augustine’s Assoc. AD for Compliance Tra'Niqua McLaughlin as Asst. AD for Internal Operations/Director of Compliance and taps Men’s Basketball AC/Visiting Professor Joseph Martin-Toney as Interim Asst. AD for External Affairs and Alumni Relations. (link)

+ USCAH announces former NCAA CMO Brian Hainline as Senior Advisor. In his advisory role, Hainline will collaborate closely with the executive team to drive business development, cultivate new client relationships, and expand strategic initiatives. He will also represent USCAH as an expert advisor at industry conferences, educational symposia, and speaking engagements. Hainline: “As the former NCAA Chief Medical Officer, I am acutely aware that we live in a country with no central oversight of sport, including the health and safety of our most sacred asset in sport – our athletes. USCAH provides the best public health solution for ensuring there is independent guidance and oversight for youth, high school, collegiate and emerging elite athletes, and I am proud to join their team.” (link)

Coaches.wire:

+ Arkansas Tech Football HC Kyle Shipp has resigned after six seasons, per FootballScoop. (link); ATU and Women’s Volleyball HC Kera Coleman have parted ways. (link)

+ Eastern New Mexico Men’s Soccer HC Brandon Misuraca resigns after three seasons. (link)

+ Georgia College names Nex Level Golf Owner Ben English as its new HC. (ilnk)

+ Holy Family will hire a new Women’s Lacrosse HC after parting with HC Marisa Ongaro. (link)

+ Michigan Tech taps former Asst. HC Cindy Pindral as its new Volleyball HC. (link)

+ Post promotes Women’s Lacrosse/Ice Hockey AC Shelby Page to WLAX HC, in addition to her AC role with women’s hockey. (link)

+ This morning’s edition of Coaches.wire features more coaching staff changes that took place over the holiday weekend. (link)

More Higher Ed:

+ Miles’ acquisition of Birmingham-Southern’s 192-acre campus has fallen through after the purchase agreement expired last week. (link)

+ Cheating is becoming more common on college campuses thanks to AI, and The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Beth McMurtrie writes: “Talk to professors in writing-intensive courses, particularly those teaching introductory or general-education classes, and it sounds as if AI abuse has become pervasive. [Louisville (DI) professor Amy] Clukey said she feels less like a teacher and more like a human plagiarism detector, spending hours each week analyzing her students’ writing to determine its authenticity. But it’s not AI that has a lot of professors worried. It’s what lies behind that willingness to cheat. … Students are working long hours while taking full course loads. They doubt their ability to perform well.” Additionally, “they believe they will not be punished — or not punished harshly — if caught. And many, it seems, don’t feel particularly guilty about it.” In an online course, Clukey estimates that more than half of her students have plagiarized with AI. “When it’s that widespread, it’s a culture. It’s not just an individual student, one out of an entire class or two out of the entire class. It is so many. And when I talk to some undergrads, they’re like, ‘Everybody does it.’” All that said, McMurtrie notes it’s still difficult to determine whether students are cheating more now than in the past. “Some research documented a spike in cheating in online courses during the pandemic. Another study, which surveyed high-school students before and after ChatGPT’s arrival, did not find an increase in cheating over time. Other studies done before 2020 suggest that cheating may have fallen since the 1990s or early 2000s. Still, data is cold comfort for faculty members.” Lots more. (link)

Interested in advertising a job opening in D2.ticker? Click here to submit your position. Post your department-wide openings with CollegeSports.jobs, where thousands of administrators coaches get news and updates about the world of college sports.

(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Director of Sales - Holy Cross Athletics (Peak Sports MGMT / Worcester, MA): This position focuses on cultivating B2B relationships with businesses to secure athletic partnerships for Holy Cross Athletics. (DI) More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Midway University / Midway, KY): Come join our growing University. (NAIA) More details HERE.

Head Coach, Lacrosse (Lake Erie College / Painesville, OH): LEC is an NCAA Division II program that competes in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC). This is a full-time position. More details HERE.

Head Women's Volleyball Coach (Saint Martin's University / Lacey, WA): The Head Coach is responsible for all scheduling, budgeting, recruiting, scouting, communicating and training associated with the successful operation of the Women’s Volleyball NCAA D2 program. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing & Fan Engagement (William & Mary / Williamsburg, VA): Develop and implement marketing, promotional activities, digital and social strategies, and ticket sales plans for football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and men’s and women’s soccer. (DI) More details HERE.

Athletic Administration Intern (University of Illinois at Springfield / Springfield, IL): Gain experience in communication, marketing/PR, game day events, and student-athlete excellence. This position is available for one year and is eligible for a tuition waiver and on-campus apartment. More details HERE.

Visiting Assistant Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach (University of Illinois at Springfield / Springfield, IL): UIS is seeking an assistant coach for the men's and women's cross country/track and field program. This position is eligible for a tuition waiver and an on-campus apartment. More details HERE.

Head Women's Soccer Coach (Eastern New Mexico University / Portales, NM): Under general supervision, responsible for all aspects of managing and directing a NCAA Division II women’s soccer program. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Adams State University is seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Football Coach to lead its football program. More details HERE.

Field Hockey Head Coach (Rhodes College / Memphis, TN): Rhodes College seeks a Head Field Hockey Coach to coordinate all phases of intercollegiate field hockey program. (DIII) More details HERE.

Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Relations (West Texas A&M University / Canyon, TX): Seeking individual to proactively grow the WT athletics brand and revenue through an innovated approach. Responsible for devising & executing strategies to increase exposure through social media. More details HERE.

Account Executive - Advertising (D2.ticker Parent Company: Drive & Company / Remote): Maximize revenue via advertising assets across its portfolio, namely industry-leading publications D1.ticker, D2.ticker, D3.ticker, NAIA.ticker, Coaches.wire, AthleticDirectorU & more. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Compliance (Lynn University / Boca Raton, FL): The Assistant Director of Compliance ensures Lynn’s 19 varsity sports, athletics staff, and representatives follow all institutional, Sunshine State Conference, and NCAA regulations. More details HERE.

Director of Mental Health & Performance (William & Mary / Williamsburg, VA): - Counseling and consultation with individual student athletes. - Implementing a range of performance and mental skills training for student-athletes and coaches in individual and team settings. (DI) More details HERE.

Athletic Trainer (King University – Tennessee / Bristol, TN): Provide support for student athletes on a variety of athletic teams. More details HERE.

Dean of Athletics / Athletic Director (Lehigh University / Bethlehem, PA): Lehigh University Dean of Athletics / Athletic Director. (DI) More details HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.

Head Women's Soccer Coach (LeTourneau University / Longview, TX): LeTourneau University seeks a dynamic leader for women’s soccer to mentor student-athletes, recruit top talent, foster spiritual growth, ensure excellence, and manage staff, events, and budgets. (DIII) More details HERE.

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (University of Redlands / Redlands, CA): Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics is the senior officer for the University’s athletic programs. (DIII) More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Otterbein University / Westerville, OH): Head Football Coach who will provide oversight of the program, focusing on the holistic development of the student athletes, academic excellence, and competitive success. (DIII) More details HERE.

Associate Athletics Director - Sports Performance (Eastern New Mexico University / Portales, NM): The Associate Athletics Director for Sport Performance will be responsible for overseeing the complete physical development of all student-athletes at ENMU. More details HERE.

Head Volleyball Coach (Austin Peay State University / Clarksville, TN): The Head Volleyball Coach will lead and manage all aspects of the volleyball program, including coaching, recruiting, scheduling, and budgeting, promoting student success on and off the court. (DI) More details HERE.

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