When Universities decide to “re-classify” their institution’s athletics program, it is a big deal. I’m joined by two higher education leaders who led their institution, Northern Kentucky University (https://nkunorse.com) , from NCAA Division II to Division I. Dr. Jim Votruba (https://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/article/why-is-this-man-leaving3/) was the President at NKU from 1997-2012, and recently retired from the NKU faculty after 8 years. Dr. Katie Herschede (https://www.widener.edu/about/faculty-directory/katie-herschede) is currently the Vice President and Chief of Staff at Widener University; prior to that, she was the Chief of Staff and Board Secretary at Northern Kentucky University.
What started as an idea to add football to a Division II athletics program, evolved instead into a move to Division I AND an invitation to join a strong basketball conference, the Horizon League.
Dr. Votruba and Dr. Herschede discuss the transformation from both the Trustee and Presidential perspectives.
