Chris King of Robert Morris University joined me on the Higher Ed Athletics podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on his career and philosophy in being a vice president and athletic director. We start by talking about the institutional profile challenges and opportunities of a small private D1 research institution like RMU. Next we speak about their latest rebrand and entry into the Horizon League. We then dive into what it’s like being the VP/AD at his alma mater and discuss his relationship with RMU president, Dr. Chris Howard (previous guest of HEA podcast), and the vision President Howard had for King’s position. King shares why being a compliance administrator is a great path to the AD chair with plenty of examples and ends the podcast with some great advice for hardworking and talented administrators in college athletics.

Questions asked:

• Institutional Size. RMU has just north of 5,000 enrolled students so it’s probably one of the smaller D1 institutions that have a football program. I came from a D2 program w/ similar size and type in the University of Indianapolis and I absolutely loved the sporting environment and community atmosphere. What are maybe the benefits that come with that, but also would you say there are some challenges in resources or fan and alumni engagement, too, with just simply less people who are or were at RMU?
• Branding. In September of 2020, RMU partnered with Old Hat for a comprehensive brand study for the athletic department. Why did you think it was important at that point to do a brand assessment and what did you all learn from it, as well as what did change with the brand? Multiple Conferences. Early in your tenure as VP of Athletics RMU accepted an invite to the Horizon League in several sports and football joined the Big South. You also have teams competing in other conferences, too. I know you oversaw joining the WAC while at UTRGV so this isn’t exactly new territory for you. What does RMU joining the Horizon League do for your programs? Since the Horizon League does not sponsor football, I’m curious what about the Big South made the most sense for RMU to join as an associate member?
• RMU Alum. I’d have to do some research on how many ADs are sitting in the chair of their undergraduate institution, but I imagine it’s rare given timing of position openings and decisions to pick up and move the family. Can you speak to what it’s like serving as the VP of Athletics at your alma mater and was it something you had hoped for once you started your athletic administrator career?
• President Howard. President Howard was one of my first guests on the podcast and he didn’t disappoint. Such an impressive background full of incredible life experiences. With his understanding of college athletics and just his leadership style in general, what’s it like working for his administration?
• University Events. In your initial press conference at RMU you had mentioned it was a habit of yours to go to as many university events as possible as the AD in your career. What does that visibility do for both the individual and the department when the AD is at non-athletic events and maybe participating in non-athletic university committee work?
• Compliance Background. There are plenty of paths to become an athletic director and your background coming up was in compliance. I started in Compliance and now at IU my role is directing the continuing eligibility requirements and APR, the fun stuff. I know there are a lot of skills learned from working in compliance, but could you expand on what the responsibilities and day-to-day role in compliance taught you that still helps you as the VP? Parting advice for young aspiring athletic administrators?