About the Episode
About the Episode: In this compelling episode of Visionary Voices: The College President's Playbook, host Dr. Bryan Gross dives into the crucial role of Division III athletics in shaping college dynamics, focusing on recruitment, retention, and community involvement. Joined by Elmira College President Chuck Lindsay and Vice President of Enrollment Management, Dennis Kelly, the conversation unveils insightful perspectives on how athletic programs not only foster campus unity and spirit but also significantly contribute to students’ academic and personal development. They explore the nuanced balance between maintaining competitive spirit and ensuring academic priorities, discussing innovative strategies for roster management and the integration of athletics into the broader educational mission. This episode not only highlights the successes and challenges faced by Elmira College but also provides valuable lessons on the symbiotic relationship between athletics and academic environments in Division III institutions. Join us as we unravel how these programs are pivotal in driving student engagement and institutional growth.
The Vital Role of Division III Athletics
President Chuck Lindsay underscores the increasing importance of Division III athletics at Elmira College. The rise in the number of students eager to participate in collegiate sports has significantly enriched campus life. Lindsay likens the camaraderie and solidarity among athletes to the positive aspects of the Greek system, emphasizing that athletes are more likely to be retained and excel academically. He passionately believes that Division III athletics offers a win-win scenario for institutions like Elmira, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement.
Leveraging Athletics in Recruitment
Dennis Kelly, with his extensive experience in enrollment management, shares how Elmira leverages its athletic success in recruitment strategies. He highlights the outstanding achievements of various teams, such as the women’s wrestling team, which ranks highly even against Division I competitors. This success not only attracts new students but also helps grow athletic rosters. Kelly notes that winning teams and strong athletic programs significantly ease the recruitment process, attracting students eager to join successful programs.
Balancing Winning and Student Experience
A crucial aspect of integrating athletics with academic life is managing the balance between striving for success and ensuring a fulfilling student experience. President Lindsay recounts how he was initially surprised by the question of whether it was acceptable to pursue winning as a goal. He emphasizes that while pursuing success is essential, it’s equally important to maintain opportunities for all players, ensuring that students remain engaged even if they aren't the star athletes. This balance is crucial to maintaining a positive and inclusive campus atmosphere.
The Art and Science of Roster Management
Bryan introduces the concept of roster management, an essential component of balancing recruitment and retention. Kelly elaborates on the strategic discussions held with coaches to determine ideal roster sizes and the need for additional support, such as JV teams or clubs. This strategic approach ensures that students receive adequate coaching and playing opportunities, which is vital for maintaining a high-quality athletic and academic experience. The collaboration between enrollment management and athletic departments is crucial for setting realistic recruitment and retention goals.
Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion
Elmira College has taken significant steps to align athletic recruitment with the institution’s goals for diversity and inclusion. President Lindsay shares the impact of establishing an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which plays a critical role in retaining students from various backgrounds. By fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among students, Elmira ensures that all students, including athletes, feel integrated into the campus community. This focus on inclusion is a testament to the college’s commitment to providing a holistic educational experience.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovations
The conversation also touches on the current challenges facing Elmira’s athletic programs. From the competitive landscape of their conference to demographic shifts and financial constraints, there are numerous hurdles to navigate. However, innovative initiatives like pet-friendly residence halls and new facilities, such as an artificial turf field, are steps towards enhancing student life and retention. These initiatives show Elmira’s proactive approach to addressing student needs and creating a vibrant campus environment.
Looking to the Future of Division III Athletics
Both Lindsay and Kelly express optimism about the future of Division III athletics. They see sports continuing to play a dominant role in college life, albeit with careful management to ensure it doesn't overshadow other aspects of the student experience. Kelly even envisions creative partnerships and innovative programs that could reshape the landscape of college athletics. The emphasis remains on creating an environment where athletics complement the academic mission and contribute to a dynamic, engaging campus life.
About the Show: This show explores a range of critical topics, from navigating financial challenges and embracing technological innovation to fostering student success and promoting diversity and inclusion. Featuring in-depth case studies and a focus on transformative strategies, the podcast is a valuable resource for current and aspiring leaders in academia, offering a playbook of visionary ideas and practical solutions for the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Bryan Gross
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-j-gross/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Higher Ed Pulse and Generation AI.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the Engage Summit for Free!
The Engage Summit is your roadmap for AI readiness in Higher Education. We’re not just talking theories; this conference is your guide to understanding and applying AI at your institution. By the end, you won’t just “get” AI — you’ll be ready to lead your campus through an AI transformation.
Every session at the 2024 Engage Summit (June 25-26) will be live-streamed (and recorded!) and registration is free!
That’s right – you can catch all the groundbreaking insights, innovative AI-strategies, and incredible speakers from the comfort of your own couch. No need to choose between sessions (because we’re recording them all!), no FOMO, and no ticket required.
.svg)
.svg)
