In 2019, after being accepted into the doctoral program at IU Bloomington, I launched Higher Ed Athletics—a podcast and platform built to explore leadership in college sports, especially from the perspective of athletic directors and the university presidents and chancellors who hire them. Today I consider myself a solo-entrepreneur looking to transition HEA from a podcast to a search and consulting firm.
I’m rounding third base or inside the 5-yard line (pick your sports example) of finishing my doctorate in higher education administration, with a minor in intercollegiate athletics leadership, and my dissertation focuses on athletic director hiring trends through the lens of presidents and chancellors. My time working for a Big Ten president gave me a unique appreciation for the complexity and responsibility of campus leadership, and it’s shaped the way I approach research and conversations on Higher Ed Athletics.
I’ve been with my supportive wife, Kaitlyn, since 2012. We have three young boys who keep life full and fun. I’ve spent almost my entire life in Danville, IN—a small town just west of Indianapolis. I am active in our church, where Kaitlyn and I serve in kids ministry and I coach youth sports in our community. I also served a term on a local school board.
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2001 at 11 years old. It’s not something I’d ever choose, and something I pray my children don’t experience, but I recognize how it’s shaped my resilience and drive—especially as I build Higher Ed Athletics. I’m competitive by nature, and even if I’m often overlooked by the established firms in the industry, I’m confident in my focus and the value of studying athletic director leadership in depth.
In my free time, I love visiting college campuses on road trips (even if it’s a 50-mile detour), reading biographies and leadership books, and listening to podcasts like Acquired, Founders, My First Million, and Unashamed. My favorite book recommendation for athletic directors is Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. And for anyone in higher ed, Being Lucky, the autobiography of the late IU president Herman B. Wells is a timeless reminder of what thoughtful, innovative leadership can look like as he built the modern IU Bloomington campus and took to the railroad to recruit faculty. Music is always on at our house—usually a mix of Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham.
I’m excited for where Higher Ed Athletics is heading and thankful to all the leaders who’ve poured into me on and off the show as I build this search and consulting business.
Education
- Indiana University
- Doctorate in Higher Education Administration, Minor: Intercollegiate Athletics Administration, All But Dissertation (ABD)
- MS in Athletic Administration, 2015
- BS in Sport Management, 2012
Athletics Experience
- Indiana University
- Business Analyst, Office of the Vice President for Strategic Operations, May 2024 – October 2025
- Indiana State University
- Director of Athletic Academic Services, Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, May 2023 – May 2024
- Indiana University
- Deputy Executive Assistant, Office of the President, September 2022 – June 2023
- Associate Director of Academics and Compliance, Athletic Department, November 2019 – June 2022
- University of Indianapolis
- Assistant Athletic Director, Athletic Department, August 2016 – November 2019
- Indiana State University
- Assistant Director of Athletic Academics, September 2014 – August 2016
- Nova Southeastern University
- Full-Time Graduate Assistant for Internal Operations and Compliance, Athletic Department, June 2013 – September 2014
Higher Ed Athletics 