Bridging Research and Practice: Advancing Equity in Student-Athlete Success (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our three-part series, we examine how Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs) and qualitative inquiry shape the academic and personal development of student-athletes. This episode explores how collaborative, equity-driven research models allow universities and athletic departments to translate data into meaningful action. Special guest Brady Rourke, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services at the University of Maryland, shares how qualitative data — from student experiences to staff reflections — offers deep insight into the daily realities student-athletes face. We discuss how these insights inform policy, programming, and leadership decisions across the Gossett Student-Athlete Center. Together, we highlight the people and structures acting as agents for change: educators, advisors, administrators, and student-athletes themselves who leverage evidence, relationships, and shared vision to push institutions toward more just and student-centered outcomes. Part 2 lays the foundation for our final episode, where we explore the broader implications of this work and what the future of student-athlete support could look like.