| Abstrakt: |
The purpose of this study was to gain a deep understanding of how athletics success is defined and operationalized for small colleges in Division III athletics. Strategic Contingency Theory was utilized as a framework to examine and better understand how athletics directors, campus administrators, and faculty define athletics success. The underlying premise of Strategic Contingency Theory is that an organization must adapt in order to survive. In-depth interviews were conducted with NCAA Division III athletics directors, campus administrators (e.g., President, Provost, Vice President for Enrollment Management), and Faculty Athletics Representatives to better understand how university and athletics administrators define athletics department success at small colleges. In all, 33 interviews were conducted across seven states at 11 different Division III institutions where student-athletes comprise 20% or more of the student body. Findings and discussion focus on athletics success in relation to competitive imbalance in Division III athletics, athletics as an enrollment driver, providing a quality student-athlete experience, and on-court winning/losing. Implications for athletics department priorities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
