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Nathan Christensen joins HEA to discuss several topics, including his journey to the role, how he specifically prepared for the interview process at ISU, and the unique timing of stepping in alongside new university president, Dr. Mike Godard. Interesting tidbit for those that will interview with a search firm – Christensen was asked in two different AD searches about who he hangs out with in the industry at conferences, etc. Relationships matter.

Christensen discusses the strategies he’s been bringing to Terre Haute in the past year, the strength of ISU’s consistent and committed athletic administrators (60ish years at ISU among three top administrators) and how that foundation supports a new era of leadership. We also dive into pressing topics in college athletics—from the emotional impact of the transfer portal on mid-major programs like ISU’s men’s basketball team, to ISU’s decisions and strategies with financial decisions, like life after the expected NCAA House settlement. He ends the conversation with three areas he thinks are important for aspiring athletic directors: being a visionary…having emotional intelligence…and a strong political IQ.

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:40 Preparing for the ISU AD Search
• 7:45 Strategies he thought could work at ISU early on
• 11:00 Being President Godard’s first hire and working together on a big agenda
• 15:30 Consistency of ISU Athletic Administration
• 21:20 Education level of donors/fans after Men’s Basketball complete roster overhaul in 2024
• 26:40 Explaining the Investor Society to help increase fundraising efforts
• 28:40 ISU’s plans for the House Settlement
• 33:00 Three pieces of advice for aspiring ADs (Visionary, Emotional Intelligence, Political IQ)