2007 NAIA State of the Association Address

NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr | 03.18.07 | Kansas City, Mo.

I am proud to be standing here in front of you today as the president and CEO of the NAIA, not because it gives me a fancy title, but because I believe in the NAIA. More importantly, I believe in you, the outstanding members of this organization.

As I was applying for the job as president and CEO, I naturally asked myself questions about why I wanted the job, but also why the NAIA exists.

At first I turned to history. We all know the terrific legacy of the NAIA as pioneers for integrating college sports. Recently, I had the good fortune of talking with John Wooden about his primary role in breaking the color barrier in 1946 and 1947. His will to do the right thing carried him through those difficult times. During my early days at the NAIA, I also had the opportunity to spend time with John McClendon and hear first hand what it was like to make history almost a decade before the Texas Western team of 1966. These great men and people like them are what give this organization its soul and its passion but these accomplishments alone are not enough to propel us into the future.

I next turned to the wonderful intercollegiate experience the NAIA provides for students. Yes, I concluded, this is why we are here. We must provide a terrific championship experience and encourage our coaches and administrators to make a difference in the lives of their students. However at the end of that analysis there still was something missing. If you look at the general experience, that can be found elsewhere; so again why the NAIA, why are we here? In the end, I kept going back to a statement that Rick Artman made in one of our planning discussions. Rick said that the NAIA can compete with the NCAA in much the same way that Siena Heights competes with Michigan or Michigan State. The conversation basically ended there, but I kept going back to the idea that small schools compete favorably with larger, more well known schools. Why is that?

To me, the answer is that "bigger is not always better" and in much the same way that Wayland Baptist provides an alternative to the University of Texas, the NAIA provides an important and very clear and demonstrably different alternative to the NCAA. We should not apologize for that; we should embrace it. I know on your campuses, you talk with prospective students about what sets you apart, not what you are trying to do to keep up with another university down the road. In much the same way, that is what the NAIA must do. We must commit to the difference that is the NAIA and then tell anyone and everyone who will listen. We must commit to the NAIA way.

Many of you may be asking, what is this difference? What is the NAIA way?

First and foremost the NAIA way begins with our philosophy. The NAIA has a straight forward approach to intercollegiate athletics and the framework of rules for college sports that: allows and encourages interaction between coaches and students (both on and off the court and in the community); recognizes the true autonomy of member institutions to make decisions that fit with their size and plans for growth; permits flexibility in areas like sport sponsorship, athletics aid, staffing, etc.; focuses on character development and lessons for life, much bigger than sport; and fully integrates athletics departments with the mission of the institution

Our different approach also makes the NAIA a solid financial decision for institutions that believe the arms race of intercollegiate athletics is a poor model. The NAIA does not impose minimum financial aid or staffing requirements. The NAIA offers a straight forward rules system and allows institutions to allocate a large percentage of resources to coaching and athletics aid. In the NAIA, the average athletics budget is one half of NCAA Division II and evidence suggests there is very little difference in the caliber of play.

According to Ted Brown, president at Martin Methodist and a long time member of the Council of Presidents, the NAIA allows his institution to compete at a national championship level on a budget that is consistent with the mission of his small, private institution. As Ted says so well, "I am convinced that success at all levels of the NCAA is based more on financial investment than any other single element. That is simply not the case in the NAIA and I am very proud of that fact."

I have pointed to a number of reasons that make the NAIA special and unique: remarkable history; terrific experiences for student-athletes; straightforward approach and philosophy; and an economic model that stretches your resources.

To add to this list, to add to what I believe is the NAIA way, is an expectation that all teams compete consistent with the core values of Champions of Character. In truth, it must be more than an expectation. It must be a fundamental distinction for the NAIA. Our commitment to the core tenets of Champions of Character, our interactions with each other and on the field of play is what defines the NAIA.

Many of you know Skip Lord, athletics director at Houghton College in upstate New York. I want to share with you a few items related to Skip and Champions of Character and his belief in and passion for the NAIA.

We have been discussing athletics and whenever the topic of affiliation comes up, I emphasize the importance of "mission fit." Too many schools make decisions based on "perceived recognition" and other peripheral issues. My emphasis is that institutions should seek affiliation in a national organization that represents that for which they stand as a school. When I think about the mission of Houghton College and the majority of NAIA institutions, I can't help but see a "hand in glove" fit with the NAIA and its emphasis on Champions of Character. Other organizations have "programs" that address sportsmanship and life skills but Champions of Character is more than a program. It is who the NAIA is as an organization.

Before I go any further, I think it is important to talk for a minute about recent conversations with the NCAA, as well as actions taken by the NCAA, in particular Division II. As most of you know, we meet at least once a year with the NCAA staff to discuss issues affecting NAIA, Division II and Division III. Overall, those meetings have been collegial in nature and led to a healthy exchange of information, including a comparison document that many of you have seen. Recently, the meetings have remained cordial but there is no doubt that there is a tension between NAIA and Division II and the reason is obvious to me. Division II and NAIA are fighting over the same members. When you look at Division II and the NAIA both have similar financial aid limitations, roughly the same number of members and each has certain parts of the country where one group is stronger.

As a result of these factors, Division II has taken a new, more intentional tack that is steering a course closer to the NAIA. You may be aware of recent Division II rules changes intended to relax recruiting, provide more opportunities for coaches to get to know student-athletes in the recruiting process, provide more time with students once on campus and permit closer ties with youngsters in the college communities. Does that sound a little familiar? It sounds to me like the NAIA way.

You also may know that Division II is trying to figure out how to pare down its rule book to a more common-sense approach, and has been trying to introduce some lower-cost financial aid alternatives for its members to combat the rising costs of doing business.

At the same time, the division's leaders are reducing the time it takes to join Division II and have become more active in their recruitment of new members, including in some cases entire conferences.

I don't say this to alarm you. I say it to help you to realize that you have something here, you have something different and valuable that is now being recognized by others. Division II wants what you have. That is my point, you already have it. It is in your hands, yours to build, yours to grow, if you choose.

While it certainly is a compliment that others are pursuing rule changes to look more like the NAIA, I ask that you take the time to understand the differences between NAIA and Division II and that you make sure you separate fact from fiction. I have talked recently with reporters from the New York Times and The Chronicle of Higher Education and both indicated that members of Division II were telling them that the NAIA is on shaky ground. I am standing here today telling you that there is absolutely no truth to those statements. The NAIA is not on shaky ground; in fact we are in the driver's seat. The NAIA has what others want. You control your own destiny. I implore you, to realize what you have and join together to celebrate truly unique qualities, the special environment, and the greatness that is the NAIA way.

The NAIA now has a strategic plan that is focused on the future, but before I get too far into the future it is important that we take a minute to remember that we have some real positives occurring as we strive to get better. We need to emphasize these positives because they demonstrate how the NAIA way is different and better.

The following examples are proof that the NAIA is not only stable but that we are growing and getting stronger every day:

Championships. NAIA events continue to draw record crowds and consistently outdraw the corresponding events in Division II and Division III. I attribute this success again to the NAIA way. For years we have searched for hosts that are committed to making NAIA events a part of their respective communities and we have found them in almost every part of the country, from Florida, Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee to Kansas, Missouri, Idaho, Iowa and California.

It only takes a few minutes in Lewiston, Idaho during the NAIA World Series to realize that the championship is like no other in small college athletics. Attendance was over 46,000 in 2006 and the event is embraced by the participants and the community.

In the end, I believe that our championships are outstanding because it means more in the NAIA, it is not enough to have a nice facility and get eight teams to the site. The expectation is that there will be a good atmosphere for our athletes and that the championship will be integrated into the community.

To quote Dene Thomas, president at Lewis Clark State College: "In the eight days of the World Series, 1500 volunteers happily sell tickets, take tickets, work in concessions, carry peanuts and pop into the stands and come together in a tremendous show of community spirit, welcoming the visiting teams and fans with gusto!"

I also want to point out that we had 100% reimbursement once again in football. As we continue to analyze our new championships formats, I believe we can learn from the football model to create reimbursement dollars.

From an operations standpoint the NAIA has experienced a budget surplus for seven straight years. The NAIA is moving into new headquarters in May just around the corner from the NABC's College Basketball Experience that will highlight the history of NAIA basketball.

The NAIA continues to make a larger imprint with regards to national publicity. The NAIA has made strides with USA Today, ESPN Bottom Line and the Chronicle of Higher Education. We will continue to focus on national publications, sport specific media and the higher education market.

We also are finding that NAIA schools that have full-time sports information directors and are aggressive in their local markets receive equal or better coverage than Division II and Division III schools in their area.

Finally, we are extremely excited about our recent partnership with NACMA. This partnership will provide tools and resources on the national, conference and local levels. I attended a portion of the NAIA-NACMA workshops held at the start of convention and I cannot say enough about the expertise and energy I saw. The most positive news is that we are just getting started so the best is yet to come.

Regarding membership recruitment and retention, we have more new members joining us this year than we have had in any of the last ten plus years. The NAIA welcomes Clarke College, Marygrove College, SUNY-Canton, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Northwestern Ohio, University of Saint Thomas, Tennessee Temple University, Mid America Christian University, University of Houston Victoria and West Virginia University Institute of Technology. While we are thrilled to have all of these schools with us, I note that Clarke College and West Virginia Tech are returning from the NCAA. I encourage you to visit with these institutions to get a sense of the factors that led to their return.

I am also encouraged that we have six prospective members here with us and anticipate a net growth in membership. All of these positives are proof that our coordinated effort between the national office and conferences is the right approach. I want to thank: Mike Pollio and the MidSouth Conference; Tony Stigliano and the Red River Athletic Conference; Rick Sanders and the Midwest Classic Conference; Bryan Rizzo and the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference; Royal Goheen and the Sunrise Conference; and Wayne Howard and the Florida Sun Conference.

Through the NAIA's Champions of Character we have reached thousands across the country. We have been able to raise dollars to support the program and we are making progress on adding breadth and depth to our offerings, including a web based component, so we can have larger reach and impact.

Last year, I focused on our intentions to articulate a compelling vision for the NAIA and a comprehensive, clear strategic plan. Thanks to the leadership of the Council of Presidents and input from many of you, we now have both - a vision for the NAIA as the model for character-driven intercollegiate athletics and a strategic plan that is focused on the future. As you heard from Rick Artman, the Council of Presidents is committed to playing a leadership role in its implementation. The COP embraces the differences that are the NAIA - and to advancing character driven athletics.

In keeping with the philosophy of the NAIA, the plan is straightforward. We will advance character driven athletics if we: work together to set standards for all of us; hold ourselves accountable to those standards; and tell the story and build the NAIA brand in a significant way.

Standards are critical because we must be clearer about the expectations of being an NAIA member. I am not saying or implying that we do not currently have standards, but it is time to review our current standards to create common ground. We also must ensure that each and every member in the NAIA is conducting its athletics program in a way that supports the association's dual commitment to high caliber competition and total student development.

It is not enough to have standards, we must hold ourselves accountable to those standards. I have stated on many occasions that I believe in the NAIA trust based system, but I have reached the conclusion, and the feedback from the membership tells me that many of you have reached the conclusion, that we must place increased accountability into our system.

We must place presidents, faculty athletics representatives, administrators, conference eligibility chairs and conference commissioners in positions that make them guarantors of the integrity of the NAIA. We are burying our heads in the sand if we believe we have general compliance with all of our rules. I understand that, however, I believe in our members. I believe in you, I believe you want to comply, but need better education and more resources to assist in your efforts. We must develop a better system for accountability for the occasions when a coach or administrator intentionally, or due to lack of proper attention, does violate a rule. Such a system will allow us to live the vision we are creating, to not only tell, but also show people, that the NAIA is quality and our actions are consistent with the core tenets of Champions of Character.

Finally, as we improve and tighten the system, we will tell the story and build the NAIA brand in a significant way. The national office will continue to make strides with national media and the higher education community, but we need each of you to serve as an advocate for your conference and the association. The staff must be there with you every step of the way to give you tools and resources, but our way of telling the story must be grassroots and it must be centered in the areas and regions where you, our members, are located. There is a lot of work to be done in this area, but we have the right message and it resonates with people.

Before we can have the widespread acceptance of our brand that we all want, we must first make sure two critical pieces are in place. We need every member to believe it and live it. A brand is basically a promise to the outside world. If we are not living that promise, then all of the selling or campaigning we do will mean very little. The second piece really falls into place easily if we all are living the promise. If we all are administering our programs with integrity, then we all become advocates for character driven athletics by our actions. The next step, to tell people about the NAIA comes naturally and easily and will be more powerful than any media plan we could devise.

Before I arrived at the NAIA nine years ago, almost everything in my background screamed NCAA. I was a Division III student-athlete at Millsaps College, I coached at UMass, I worked in the athletics department at UNLV and I went to law school at Duke. I will be honest with you, I really thought I would be at the NAIA for three or four years and move on. Something happened after only a few months at the national office. I quickly became a believer that the NAIA has it right. We have the right formula, we have the proper perspective on the philosophy of intercollegiate athletics and we have the proper economic model to allow institutions to produce high quality teams at a fraction of the cost.

I want to point out that you have a staff that believes in the NAIA way. It is a talented group of people with an unbelievable commitment to you and your student-athletes. They put in long hours and work with a unity of purpose and that is what is best for the NAIA and our student-athletes.

While I know this staff can accomplish great things, we all need to realize that an association is only as strong as the commitment of its members. The pieces are in place to make this organization whatever we want it to be. We are on solid ground financially, we have new members joining us in record numbers, we have championships that are on par with or exceed most others, and we have a philosophy that clearly sets us apart. All we need is renewed sense of confidence and commitment that we can be the best at what we do. That we can advance character driven intercollegiate athletics better than anyone else. We must create a special competitive experience and lifelong lessons for young men and women who grow to understand that character is not an abstract, it is not a contest, it is a journey. Character is the product, the culmination, of thousands of everyday choices.

The choice is yours. During the strategic planning process this fall, Dr. Ellen Chaffee president at Valley City State University and a member of the Council of Presidents, reminded us that greatness is not defined by height, or size, or having the most or being the biggest. Greatness is, instead, defined by depth. A truly great team, a truly great organization, doesn't have to tell you its values. It lives them, you can walk into a great company, you can watch a great team and know right away the values it holds dear, the covenants it keeps.

As Dr. Chaffee explained, companies' whole strategies and their entire success is built on this idea. That to be truly great is to define one's special territory, a niche, and be the best at it, through and through, so that when people see inside, they see only that the organization is exactly what it means to be and they want to be part of it.

In the end, I know you agree with the NAIA way. I know you believe in what we are trying to accomplish. So, I urge you to be a part of the solution, to be a part of intercollegiate athletics in the proper perspective. We need your commitment. Commit to serving as an advocate for the NAIA. Commit to character driven intercollegiate athletics and commit to being a part of this team that can make a difference by giving people an alternative that is the right fit.

The NAIA exists to advance character driven intercollegiate athletics. I look forward to working with each of you to become the best at what we do, develop people of character through intercollegiate athletics.