Small Colleges, Big Changes: Serious Challenges at the Intersection of Enrollment and College Athletics

Welcome to today’s episode, where we're diving into one of the most pivotal and complex topics in college athletics today. I'm Dr. Karen Weaver, and joining me are two leading experts in the field, Dr. Steve Dittmore, Dean at the University of North Florida, and Washington Post reporter Jesse Dougherty. Together, we’ll unravel the challenges facing small colleges as they navigate athletics and financial sustainability in the rapidly changing landscape of higher education.

We'll examine real-world cases, like Notre Dame College of Ohio’s recent closure, Mount St. Mary's innovative addition of women’s flag football, and the financial struggles impacting small colleges in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Plus, we'll touch on how larger schools like Ohio State are setting new standards for athletic support, and we’ll take a closer look at schools making bold shifts, like the University of Hartford moving from Division I to Division III.

Whether you're a college administrator, trustee, or just passionate about the future of college sports, this conversation promises to shed light on the pressing questions and potential paths forward in this evolving world