Jennifer Lee Hoffman

The Old Boys' Network

Abstract Division I athletic programs have very few women athletic directors (Acosta & Carpenter, 2008). Homologous reproduction and the old boys network provide an explanation for why so few women become athletic directors. This study demonstrates these influences in the athletic director search process among Division I athletic programs. Women leaders in the senior level athletic administration at Far West institutions were interviewed. Data analysis reveals how candidate criteria, the search committee, and search firm involvement contribute to the old boys network and disadvantage women candidates in the athletic director hiring process.

Civic Engagement and Activism: Do College Students and College Athletes Differ?

Abstract This study uses measures from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement to examine rates of volunteerism, use of political voice, and electoral indicators between college students and college student-athletes attending three institutions with Division I athletic programs. Findings illustrate increased volunteer behaviors of athletes, coupled with lower participation in political activities and relatively low interest in electoral practices as compared to college students overall. Student-athlete civic engagement is discussed in the context of previous research indicating student-athlete reluctance to engage in political activism and recent student-athlete activism on issues of student-athlete treatment and welfare.

Leadership development through athletic participation at West Point.

Abstract The United States Military Academy (West Point) is one of the premier undergraduate institutions for leadership development in higher education. Participating in competitive varsity athletics is both a key entrance requirement and a prominent feature of the West Point cadet leadership development experience. The ways in which leadership development occurs in postsecondary education by participating in athletics is not well understood regardless of the institution type. Using qualitative interviews with West Point graduates, this study explores the role that participating in competitive athletics plays in the leadership development of its undergraduates. A key finding from this study indicates that participation in varsity high school athletics is a critical admissions determinant in West Point’s selection process. Furthermore, mandatory participation for all cadets in competitive athletics is viewed as essential by West Point to develop prominent future military leaders who lead by example. Implications for leadership development outcomes among students at other undergraduate institutions are discussed.

Climate as a Mediating Influence on the Perceived Academic Success of Women Student-Athletes

Women student-athletes are often underrepresented in policy reforms aimed at improving academic outcomes among college athletes. Using data from a national survey of 8481 student-athletes in all National Collegiate Athletic Association intercollegiate divisions and sports, the effects of climate on the academic success of women student-athletes are examined. The Student-Athlete Climate Study conceptual framework is tested, then seven factors that gauge women student-athletes’ perceptions of climate are measured. Indicators with most influence on academic success among women student-athletes are: faculty–student interaction, personal comfort with teammate diversity, and perceptions of respect.

Playoffs & Payoffs: The College Football-Coaching Carousel

37 In Short • The circulation of head football coaches (the “coaching carousel”) is a wellestablished practice, and with it, salary costs are signifi cantly outpacing other spending as institutions compete in the pursuit of prestige. • A national football championship is seen as a potent form of marketing that increases admissions applications, but these increases do not lead to more learning or better graduation rates. Instead, increases in rankings from football success tend to boost institutional visibility and exclusivity. • The infusion of media revenue supports the escalation of coaching salaries but has also increased the intensity of questions about the amateur status of college sports, revenue-sharing with student-athletes, and players’ safety. • Institutions that are successful in the competition will probably be able to adapt to whatever pressures are exerted on them without fundamentally changing a system that has rewarded them with resources and prestige. By Jennifer Lee Hoffman PLAYOFFS & PAYOFFS The College Football-Coaching Carousel

State Gender Equity Law & Athletic Participation among Community Colleges in Washington State.

This paper presents an overview of partial tuition waivers for athletic participation among community colleges in Washington State and its implications for state and federal gender equity policy and legislation. Using a mixed-methods approach, this article presents findings from Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act data, document analysis, and interviews with athletic directors and conference officials. Implications of the partial tuition waiver program on participation rates among Northwest Athletic Association for Community Colleges member institutions in Washington and the recommendations for gender equity are presented.