The CALS Report

What does it take to go from a solid fundraiser to someone who consistently delivers at the highest level? In this episode of The CALS Report, the conversation goes beyond tactics and into mindset, discipline, and the small habits that build trust over time. Host Quinn Kavanagh, Associate AD for Major Gifts at Tennessee, is joined by two respected industry leaders. Brady Hart serves as Deputy AD and Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Tennessee, overseeing revenue generation and serving as the sport administrator for football. Denson Hollis is the CEO/Senior Associate AD for Development for Ole Miss Athletics and the sport administrator for men's basketball. Together, they dive into how they built their careers, from vastly different paths to leadership roles, and what it takes to build and sustain high-performing teams. The conversation covers everything from creating a culture of “professional problem solvers,” to empowering staff at every level, to the real skills that separate good fundraisers from elite ones. They also unpack today’s biggest challenges, including NIL, evolving donor expectations, and balancing fundraising responsibilities with sport oversight. It’s a candid, practical discussion filled with insight for anyone looking to grow in college athletics or lead at a higher level.

Georgia Tech AD Ryan Alpert joins The CALS Report for a candid look at his first year in the chair. From navigating high-stakes decisions to empowering his leadership team, Alpert shares what has surprised him most about the role and how he is building a modern athletic department in today’s NIL and revenue-driven era. Plus, registration is open for this year's CALS One-Day event at Georgia Tech in June. Listen in to learn more about this opportunity for athletic departments. 🎧 CALS Report Episode 19 now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this episode, we sit down with retiring University of Oklahoma Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione for an in-depth reflection on more than three decades of transformational leadership in college athletics. From the pivotal hiring of Bob Stoops and the launch of a historic capital campaign to Oklahoma’s move to the SEC and the rapidly evolving NIL era, Castiglione offers candid insight into the strategic decisions that positioned Oklahoma for sustained excellence. Beyond championships and conference realignment, Castiglione also reflects on what may be one of his most meaningful legacies: mentoring the next generation of leaders. Over the course of his career, 33 members of his staff have gone on to become athletic directors at other institutions — a testament to his commitment to leadership development and investing in people. At its core, this conversation is about stewardship, values, and building programs that win the right way while creating life-changing experiences for student-athletes And then in "The Lobby" segment, Mississippi State Deputy AD and former OU Assoc. AD Joey Bailey leads a conversation with Mississippi State AD Zac Selmon, Cornell AD Nicki Moore and West Virginia AD Wren Baker about the impact Castiglione's mentorship made on their careers.

Episode 17 of The CALS Report is a powerful look at leadership, momentum, and navigating success in today’s college athletics landscape. The Big Interview takes listeners inside what can only be described as a whirlwind month at Tulane and James Madison. Athletic directors David Harris and Matt Roan join Ryan Bradley to reflect on the rapid-fire reality of winning conference championships, earning College Football Playoff berths, and then immediately navigating head coaching changes. It is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about balancing celebration with crisis management, keeping student athletes at the center during uncertainty, and leading calmly when everything is moving at once. In The Lobby, the focus shifts to basketball, with veteran coach Dane Fischer leading a thoughtful conversation with Jonathan Botros of Texas Tech and Josh Cowan of Mississippi State. Together, they unpack basketball sport supervision, the evolving demands of the role, and practical advice for the next generation of athletic administrators. Episode 17 reflects what The CALS Report does best: real conversations, shared experiences, and leadership lessons that extend far beyond the game.

In the big interview, we’re talking to Ross Dellenger, Yahoo Sports senior college football reporter. He shares his takes on some of the biggest issues shaping college football right now. The College Football Playoff. Expansion. Conference power. Private equity. And the uncertainty around federal legislation like the SCORE Act. Ross talks with our own Ryan Bradley about the decisions being made right now, the debates happening behind the scenes, and what it all means moving forward. After that conversation, we head into The Lobby. Brakston Brock, Associate Athletic Director for Development at Oklahoma State, leads this segment. He’s joined by two senior leaders who’ve just lived through major head football coach searches. Reid Sigmon, Deputy Athletic Director at Oklahoma State. And Rhett Hobart, Deputy Athletic Director at Auburn. Together, they walk through what the hiring process really looks like today. The crowded coaching carousel. A compressed calendar. Confidentiality. Search firms. And the pressure to get it right. It’s a candid conversation about leadership, process, and decision-making at the highest level.

This episode begins with a deep-dive conversation with Justin Moore (Tulsa) and Fernando Lovo (New Mexico), two new athletic directors navigating unprecedented change in college athletics. They discuss stakeholder education around NIL and revenue sharing, the pressure of early coaching hires, aligning with campus leadership, and how relationship-driven markets like Tulsa and Albuquerque shape resource strategy and fan engagement. In the second segment, The Leadership Playbook, leadership experts Kevin DeShazo and Seth Kindig from Better (bebetterleaders.com) share actionable tools for young and mid-career administrators. They highlight why leadership forms the foundation (“the pie crust”) of every department’s success and outline systems for daily reflection and self-evaluation that accelerate growth. Follow The CALS Report on Instagram & TikTok (@thecalsreport), on LinkedIn at the Collegiate Athletic Leadership Symposium, and on YouTube.

What does leadership look like in today’s ever-changing college athletics landscape? Episode 14 of The CALS Report features Beth Goetz, Iowa Director of Athletics, in a candid Big Interview that covers CALS 25, leading in college athletics today, the Ben McCollum hire, and the continued impact of Caitlin Clark on women’s sports and the Iowa brand. Goetz shares her approach to building alignment across campus, supporting coaches through change, and defining what sustainable success looks like in the Big Ten. She reflects on the leadership lessons shaping Iowa’s next chapter and what it means to create a culture that elevates everyone around it. Then in The Lobby, we’re joined by JP Abercrombie (Notre Dame), Kortne Gosha (Nebraska), and Reyna Gilbert-Lowry (Virginia Tech)—three respected leaders who help us look back on CALS 25 in Columbus. They share highlights, personal takeaways, and the deeper impact of the CALS community 15 years in. Also in this episode: ⚡ Real conversations on leadership, mentorship, and the future of college athletics. 🌟 Reflections from CALS 25 — what makes this community special and why it continues to grow.

In honor of the 15th Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS), coming October 5–7 in Columbus, we’re sharing a special bonus episode of The CALS Report. This compilation features some of the most respected voices in college athletics reflecting on what CALS means to them—and to the industry. From ADs to commissioners, executives to thought leaders, each clip highlights the power of connection, community, and leadership development that has defined CALS since 2011. Featured voices include: Wren Baker • Bubba Cunningham • Ross Bjork • Hunter Yurachek • Zac Selmon • Graham Neff • Troy Dannen • Greg Sankey • Desiree Reed-Francois • Tommy McClelland • Clay Scroggins • Graham Rossini • Jeremiah Dickey • Randale Richmond • Bryan Blair • Jeff Mitchell

What does leadership look like when the stage gets bigger—and the stakes do too? Episode 13 of The CALS Report features Ross Bjork, Ohio State Director of Athletics and host of CALS 25, as he joins our Ryan Bradley for a wide-ranging Big Interview on culture, scale, and leading in the new era of college sports. Bjork reflects on his first year in Columbus—what he learned inheriting a powerful culture, how he’s building trust to make hard decisions, and the disciplined approach required to sustain a broad sport portfolio amid revenue sharing and roster caps. He shares lessons from a national championship season, talks balancing tradition with innovation (“honor tradition, don’t think traditionally”), and unpacks the art of tuning out the noise while communicating with conviction. We also zoom out on the future of NIL, the new College Sports Commission, and why clarity and transparency are the real currency of leadership today. Bjork closes with candid advice to rising ADs: stay adaptable, master the whole enterprise, and invest in relationships that last. Also in this episode: ✈️ Sponsor Spotlight with Airshare – CRO Dylan Haynie breaks down how private aviation is evolving to serve athletics departments and donor travel. ⚡ Leadership. Strategy. Real talk from the front lines. Episode 13 is a masterclass on where college athletics is headed next.

What does it take to lead with vision—and navigate the shifting landscape of college athletics? Episode 12 of The CALS Report brings together two of the most respected voices in the industry for timely insights and perspective. In The Big Interview, Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter joins host Ryan Bradley for a candid conversation on leadership, decision-making, and building momentum in Oxford. From the bold hire of Lane Kiffin to the rise of Rebel football and beyond, Carter reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and relationships that have shaped his tenure—and what it takes to align coaches, administrators, and fans behind a shared vision. Then, ESPN’s Pete Thamel stops by with a special segment on the state of college football. With the season kicking off in earnest, Thamel breaks down the storylines he’s watching most closely, shares his perspective on the future of the CFP, and reflects on what makes College GameDay such an iconic stage—and discusses Lee Corso's final episode. Episode 12 is a front-row seat to leadership in action and storytelling at its best—reminding us that the conversations shaping college athletics are as dynamic as the game itself.

What does it take to build a program—and a culture—that lasts? Episode 11 of The CALS Report dives into the mindset, relationships, and resilience that drive sustainable success in college athletics. In The Big Interview, Texas Tech Head Men’s Basketball Coach Grant McCasland joins Ryan Bradley for a powerful conversation on belief, adversity, and the long game of leadership. From getting cut in 7th grade to coaching in the Big 12, McCasland reflects on the moments that shaped him—and why humility, faith, and fierce competition remain at the core of his coaching philosophy. He also shares hard-earned insights on what makes coach–AD relationships thrive and the role of shared trust in building sustainable success. In The Leadership Playbook, Lisa Campos (UTSA) and Brian White (FAU) sit down with Clay Scroggins to talk about staying power, program growth, and leading through uncertainty. With deep roots at two rising programs, they reflect on how optimism, alignment, and a builder’s mindset are helping them meet the moment—and shape what comes next. Episode 11 is a masterclass in steady, service-minded leadership—from the bench to the boardroom—and a reminder that the best leaders don’t just adapt to change—they grow through it.

Real-time leadership, high-stakes decisions, and front-line wisdom from the Group of Five—Episode 10 of The CALS Report dives into how today’s ADs are navigating complexity, staying grounded, and leading with conviction in the shifting landscape of college athletics. In The Big Interview, Ryan Bradley sits down with Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen, who shares lessons from a career spent leading at every level—from FCS to the Big Ten. With candid insight on governance reform, presidential alignment, and what it takes to make hard decisions in public, Dannen offers a clear-eyed view of leadership under pressure and the responsibility that comes with the chair. In The Lobby, three sitting ADs—Stephanie Rempe (Nevada), Brent Jones (Troy), and Ryan Ivey (Louisiana Tech)—bring a front-line perspective to the real work of leading through change. They explore how they’re approaching the House settlement, building campus culture, managing resource constraints, and investing in the people behind the programs. Episode 10 is a powerful look at leadership across levels—blending national context with campus reality, and reminding us that clarity, courage, and connection still drive the best in college athletics.

Strategic vision, sport admin in the spotlight, and a call for values-based leadership—Episode 9 of The CALS Report explores what it takes to lead with clarity and courage in the most transformational era college athletics has ever seen. In The Big Interview, Ryan Bradley sits down with University of Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois, who shares how her team is navigating realignment, revenue sharing, and organizational change through the Bear Down Blueprint. She opens up about the importance of performance metrics, supporting coaches as true partners, and building a sustainable “Platinum Era” in Tucson—rooted in integrity, alignment, and community impact. In The Lobby, three rising leaders—Ashton Henderson (George Mason), Marcus Bowman (Oklahoma), and Ryan Alpert (Tennessee)—offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to lead from the deputy chair. From handling the House settlement and evolving sport administrator roles, to sharing career lessons and revenue strategies, this segment is packed with practical insight and real-world leadership perspective. Episode 9 is a masterclass in strategic planning, peer leadership, and navigating change with purpose—and a reminder that even in uncertainty, the right people and principles still make all the difference.

In this episode of the CALS Report Ryan Bradley sits down with North Carolina Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham, who recently chaired the NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Committee, for the Big Interview. Bubba offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the selection process, reflects on five unique years serving on the committee, and shares his perspective on revenue sharing, Olympic sport sustainability, and hiring one of the greatest football coaches of all time. He also opens up about the origins of CALS and why the community still matters today. In The Deep Dive, Teamworks’ Kevin Barefoot is joined by Dr. Karim Kassam, a former NFL and MLB executive now leading innovation at Teamworks Intelligence. Together, they break down how analytics are transforming roster construction, transfer portal strategy, and player evaluation—and what college leaders can do today to prepare for tomorrow. From steady leadership in uncertain times to cutting-edge innovation, Episode 8 delivers practical insight and fresh perspective for anyone looking to lead well in today’s ever-evolving landscape.

In this episode of The CALS Report, we sit down with two of the most respected young voices in the industry: Clemson Director of Athletics Graham Neff and Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon. Hosted by Ryan Bradley, this candid conversation covers everything from navigating the transition to the AD chair, to the impact of the House Settlement, to building trust and driving innovation inside major athletic departments. They also reflect on their personal journeys, professional growth, and how CALS has shaped their leadership philosophies. Then in The Leadership Playbook, guest host Clay Scroggins (How to Lead When You're Not in Charge) sits down with Jamie Boggs (GCU) and Jared Mosley (North Texas) to discuss what it takes to lead when you’re not in charge. They offer practical advice on influence, communication, and staying grounded while leading in high-pressure roles.

This episode of The CALS Report Podcast is brought to you by Teamworks—the Operating System for Sports™. Trusted by over 5,000 teams, Teamworks is the strategic partner helping collegiate athletic departments navigate change, streamline operations, and deliver an exceptional student-athlete experience. Learn more at Teamworks.com College athletics is evolving faster than ever, and the leaders shaping its future are tackling complex challenges head-on. In this episode of The CALS Report, we bring you exclusive conversations with some of the industry's top decision-makers, offering valuable insight into the shifting landscape of college sports. From navigating legislative changes to building lasting careers in the industry, this episode is packed with expert perspectives and leadership wisdom. Episode 6 of The CALS Report features an exclusive conversation with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, offering a deep dive into the future of college athletics. Sankey discusses the House Settlement, the path toward a new normal, and the leadership required to navigate change in today’s evolving landscape. He also reflects on the SEC’s historic basketball season, lessons learned from the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, the importance of consensus-building, and the personal growth strategies that have shaped his career. In The Lobby, three senior leaders from the American Athletic Conference—Joe Fields from Tulsa, Jessie Gardner from North Texas, and Jana Woodson from Tulane—join a career-focused roundtable. They take questions from graduate assistants who served as interns at CALS 24, providing insight on building a successful career in college athletics, leadership strategies for long-term impact, and the mindset needed to grow and thrive in a competitive industry. This episode is packed with leadership wisdom, career advice, and an insider’s perspective on the biggest issues shaping college athletics today.

Episode 5 of The CALS Report takes you behind the curtain of college athletics like never before! From the thrill of the expanded playoff to transformative leadership insights, this episode delivers compelling stories and practical advice straight from the industry’s top voices. In this episode, Ryan Bradley interviews Boise State Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey and Arizona State Athletics Director Graham Rossini. Fresh off their programs’ participation in the first-ever 12-team expanded playoff, they provide a behind-the-scenes look at their experiences. From operations and fundraising to marketing strategies, they share how they plan to sustain momentum and drive success moving forward. They also tackle current issues in college athletics, reflect on leadership lessons, and offer advice for the next generation of administrators. PLUS, in our new segment, "The Leadership Playbook," Ryan talks with author, speaker, and leadership expert Clay Scroggins. Clay shares strategies for cultivating influence at every level of an organization and insights to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of 2025. CALS Director Will Reece opens the episode with a special announcement about the 4th Annual CALS 1 Day event. Don’t miss the exciting details!

In this episode, Ryan Bradley sits down with Tommy McClelland, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Rice University, to explore his incredible journey. From becoming the youngest Division 1 Athletic Director at just 26 to leading Rice Athletics since August 2023, Tommy offers invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and making impactful decisions, including recent head coach hires in football and basketball. PLUS, don’t miss "The Lobby", where CALS alumni and industry leaders Lauren Adee (SMU), Haven Fields (Nebraska), and Ryan Peck (TCU) dive into navigating transitions and the ever-evolving world of college sports

In this episode, Ryan Bradley sits down with Wren Baker, Vice President & Director of Athletics at West Virginia, for a compelling conversation on leadership in college athletics. Wren shares insights on building active and supportive networks, hiring and managing successful coaching staffs, and his incredible journey through the ranks of college sports. The episode also features "The Lobby" Roundtable with Eric Wood, Ed.D (Ole Miss), Marcus Sedberry (Wisconsin), and Kevin White (Clemson). These Deputy ADs dive into football sports supervision and administration, sharing lessons learned in supporting high-level programs and coaches, strategies for success in overseeing collegiate football, and key leadership takeaways from their careers.

In Episode 2 of the CALS Report we’re joined by Joey Bailey (Mississippi State), Chris Davis (Georgia Southern), and Marshall Steward (Tennessee). They’re breaking down the highlights from CALS 24 and diving into key takeaways on leadership, networking, and the event’s impact on the college athletics community. Next, Ryan Bradley sits down with CALS cornerstone, Forest Reece, who has been with us since 2011, helping shape CALS into what it is today. Hear about his journey, his thoughts on the event’s growth, and the heart behind it all. Don’t miss this chance to hear from the man behind the scenes!

In this clip, Forest Reece, CALS’ go-to guy since the event’s inception in 2011, reflects on the most rewarding parts of being involved in CALS over the past 14 years.

In this clip from The CALS Report, Jeff Mitchell, Athletic Director at Ball State, highlights the importance of building, growing, and maintaining your network throughout your career. Mitchell shares the invaluable benefits he’s gained from forming authentic relationships during his 13 years attending the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS). Learn how these connections have shaped his journey in college athletics and why networking is crucial for success in leadership roles. Catch the full episode for more insights from top leaders in the industry!

In this clip from The CALS Report, Hunter Yurachek, Athletic Director at the University of Arkansas, shares what it takes to lead in today’s rapidly changing college athletics environment. Yurachek emphasizes the importance of being a constant learner, a sponge for information, and staying nimble and willing to change and adjust. His insights are essential for any aspiring leader or athletic administrator looking to navigate the evolving landscape of college sports. Listen to the full episode for more leadership advice from top industry professionals!

In this clip from The CALS Report, Randale Richmond, Athletic Director at Kent State, shares his personal experience with the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium. Richmond describes CALS as the "All-Star Game" of professional development, offering unique opportunities for growth, networking, and connection in college athletics. Listen as he reflects on how CALS has helped shape his leadership journey and career trajectory in the world of sports administration. Catch the full episode to hear more from industry leaders like Hunter Yurachek, Bryan Blair, Jeff Mitchell, and more!

In this inaugural episode of The CALS Report, Ryan Bradley sits down with Arkansas Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek to discuss leading through change in college athletics, share advice for aspiring athletic directors, and provide an exclusive preview of CALS 2024. Then, MAC ADs Bryan Blair (Toledo), Jeff Mitchell (Ball State), and Randale Richmond (Kent State) discuss their personal growth, the power of networking, and the lasting impact of the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS) on their careers. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with some of the top leaders in collegiate sports!

In this sneak peek from "The Lobby " segment of The CALS Report episode 1, Bryan Blair, Athletic Director at Toledo, shares how the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS) creates a space unlike any other professional development event. With a focus on openness, honest conversations, and real connections, Bryan explains how CALS fosters a sense of community that helps leaders feel supported in an often isolating role.

Welcome to the first clip from The CALS Report! This podcast brings you candid conversations with leaders in college athletics, offering insights into professional growth, leadership, and the evolving landscape of the sports industry. In this exclusive clip, Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics, discusses the challenges of leading through unprecedented changes in college sports, including NIL, the transfer portal, his advice for aspiring athletic administrators & hosting CALS 24 in Fayetteville. Stay tuned for the full episode and more interviews with top industry leaders. Subscribe now to stay connected with The CALS Report!