Board of Governors emphasizes need for member collaboration on future of college sports

At its meeting Tuesday in Indianapolis, the NCAA Board of Governors underscored the need for member schools and conferences to collaborate on the issues surrounding college sports.

With increased attention from state legislatures, courts and the federal government, member leaders began an important week of governance by emphasizing that now is the time to act before changes occur to the fundamental aspects of college sports.

Board leaders are expected to continue discussing the approach with other governance committees throughout the week.

Presidential search

The presidential search committee provided an update to the board on the process of identifying a new NCAA president. The committee has continued its work with search firm TurnkeyZRG and is working toward making its recommendations to the full Board of Governors by early next year. 

Association-wide committees and consultative process

The board continued to organize its work consistent with the new constitution. As part of this, the board received an update on a review of Association-wide committees, specifically focusing on the NCAA Research Committee. Because so much NCAA research is being led by the national office's research department, the board directed the divisional governance bodies to pursue appropriate legislative action to eliminate the Research Committee and agreed to continue reviewing the remaining Association-wide committees at its future meetings.

It also finalized its consultative process, which provides visibility to divisional leadership groups on Board of Governors meetings as well as matters pertaining to one division, evaluation of the NCAA president, legal strategy and risk mitigation, and government relations and policy matters that impact the Association as a whole. The consultative process also includes a tailored process that will be used regarding Association contracts involving media rights and revenue-producing agreements.

Shirley elected vice chair

Minot State President Steven Shirley was elected vice chair. Shirley is also chair of the Division II Presidents Council.