Colorado State University Athletics
Guest column: Intercollegiate athletics offer academic opportunities, bridge building
3/4/2025 11:04:00 AM | General
Editor's note:Â This guest column was written by Kyle Saunders, a professor of political science and CSU's NCAA faculty athletics representative.
As a university community, our enduring mission is supporting the success of all students, and I've had a lens on the progress of one group – made up of CSU's 364 student-athletes – in my role as Colorado State University's NCAA faculty athletics representative.
As a professor in the Department of Political Science, I know some observers question the proper place of athletics in the academic mission, and thoughtful critique of athletics can be warranted.
Yet, there is considerable evidence that student-athlete experiences often include outcomes closely aligned with institutional values and objectives. Across higher education, intercollegiate athletics offer students a unique environment in which to mature academically and socially as members of a democratic society.
These and other topics will anchor the upcoming discussion between CSU President Amy Parsons and NCAA President Charlie Baker, who aims to modernize college sports, invest in its growth and ensure it supports student-athletes' academic and personal development. Their discussion will be part of the Democracy Summit on campus and is scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. March 7 in the Lory Student Center, Ballroom D.
READ FULL STORY IN SOURCE