Multimedia | Collegiate Athletics and Esports

Higher Ed Advisor: athletic department strategies from a Division I university leader to outplay the pandemic

Jan. 12, 2021

Welcome to Higher Ed Advisor, the Baker Tilly podcast series where we speak with higher education industry leaders from across the firm about practical and proactive guidance to help colleges and universities protect and enhance their value.

We continue our athletics-themed podcast series with an episode featuring the University of Pittsburgh’s Associate Athletic Director for Business Services, Ryan Varley. Ryan discusses how the COVID-19 impact and revenue challenges prompted the University to make both temporary and permanent changes to the athletic department in order to emerge successfully from the pandemic.

Listen to this podcast to learn about the financial, recruiting and retention, alumni/donor engagement and coronavirus considerations that contribute to University leadership making strategic decisions. This episode offers insight into the current issues facing Division I intercollegiate athletic programs and how the Pittsburgh Panthers are taking measures to keep students, coaches and department staff safe during COVID-19, while still participating in sports.

Ryan also talks about the value of intercollegiate athletics and shares his experience talking with peer institutions, student athletes and athletic department colleagues about the key ramifications and concerns (both internal and external) associated with eliminating a collegiate sports team.