Welcome to this live edition of Small College America and our Consequential Conversations series. I’m Dean Hoke, joined by my co-host Kent Barnds. Today we’re discussing “The Impact of Athletics at Small Colleges.” Athletics can shape enrollment, campus identity, the student experience, and the finances of smaller institutions. We’ll look at both its value and the decisions college leaders are facing as the landscape changes.
Kent: We are joined by three guests who bring distinct perspectives to this conversation.
Louise McCleary is Vice President of Division III at the NCAA. She has spent more than 14 years at the NCAA national office, and before that worked for roughly 25 years on college campuses, including Vassar College and Elms College. She brings both a national and a campus-level perspective.
Dr. Jody Fournier is President of Baker University, a private university in Baldwin City, Kansas, and they are affiliated with the NAIA. He became president in July 2025 and brings the president’s perspective on the role of athletics in enrollment, mission, and institutional strategy.
Troy Dell is Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation at Gettysburg College, his alma mater. Before returning to Gettysburg, he spent 18 years as director of athletics at Frostburg State University and helped lead its transition from NCAA Division III to Division II. He brings the day-to-day operational perspective of an athletic director.
Kent: Louise, Jody, and Troy, welcome to Small College America.
Dean: We’ll begin with opening questions for each panelist and then move into paired conversations. Please send your questions throughout the program; Kent and I will ask these questions as time allows.
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