What are your responsibilities in the role of assistant athletics director for business operations at Temple University?
My primary responsibilities include assisting with the fiscal and administrative management of Temple University Athletics’ multi-million-dollar budget. This includes overseeing and directing the daily operation and administration of the athletic budget, purchasing, contracts and travel operations. In addition, I serve on our diversity, equity and inclusion committee and as a sport administrator for our men’s soccer and fencing programs.
If schools have to start paying student athletes, what would be the challenge and biggest impact institutions would face?
If institutions begin paying student athletes, there [is] an important line of questions … many institutions will face. The most pressing being, ‘Who and how will we pay student -athletes?’ As the monetary value of the student athlete experience continues to grow, how are institutions that do not generate the large revenues needed to cover these increasing costs in addition now pay student athletes? How will institutions with low revenues compete against institutions that generate an abundant amount of revenue?
What is the most satisfying thing about your work with student athletes?
Being able to provide a full student athlete experience — on the field, in the classroom and through life experiences. Assisting our staff and coaches by allocating resources to get things done. Helping our student athletes compete at the highest level, providing them with the equipment and tools needed to be successful and affording them the opportunity to travel abroad to see different parts of the world. Knowing that when our student athletes leave Temple they have gained more than just a degree, they had a well-rounded experience that helped to better prepare them for the world.
How does diversity come into play in your role?
