Ep. 24 | Talking Strategic Planning with DePaul AD DeWayne Peevy

In this edition of The CALS Report, Ryan Bradley sits down with DePaul University Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy for an in-depth look at the strategy behind building a stronger, more competitive athletics department. Peevy took over leadership of DePaul Athletics in August 2020, entering the role at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing challenges ranging from facilities and revenue generation to brand positioning and organizational culture. Six years later, his leadership has earned him a five-year contract extension through 2031 and an elevation to Senior Vice President. Peevy discusses DePaul’s new five-year strategic plan, Beyond the Dream, and the lessons learned from the university’s first strategic planning cycle. He shares how DePaul has strengthened its facilities, fundraising, organizational culture and brand — including growing annual fundraising from $1.1 million before his arrival to a department-record $15.6 million last year. The conversation also explores how DePaul is setting measurable goals for competitive success, revenue growth, donor engagement and institutional impact while navigating the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics. Peevy explains why investing in people is just as important as investing in facilities, how student-athlete and campus feedback shaped the plan, and why a successful athletics department must demonstrate its value to the university far beyond wins and losses. Plus, Peevy reflects on his longtime involvement with CALS, the importance of developing the next generation of college athletics leaders and why continued learning remains essential — even after reaching the AD chair.