Intercollegiate Athletics and the American University: A University President's Perspective

By James J. Duderstadt

Book Overview

After decades of domination on campus, college sports' supremacy has begun to weaken. "Enough, already " detractors cry. College is about learning, not chasing a ball around to the whir of TV cameras.In Intercollegiate Athletics and the American University James Duderstadt agrees, taking the view that the increased commercialization of intercollegiate athletics endangers our universities and their primary goal, academics. Calling it a "corrosive example of entertainment culture" during an interview with ESPN's Bob Ley, Duderstadt suggested that college basketball, for example, "imposes on the university an alien set of values, a culture that really is not conducive to the educational mission of university."Duderstadt is part of a growing controversy. Recently, as reported in The New York Times, an alliance between university professors and college boards of trustees formed in reaction to the growth of college sports; it's the first organization with enough clout to challenge the culture of big-time university athletics.This book is certainly part of that challenge, and is sure to influence this debate today and in the years to come.James J. Duderstadt is President Emeritus and University Professor of Science and Engineering, University of Michigan.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0472089439
• ISBN13: 9780472089437
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A Different Perspective

Good Book. It gives an insiders view on intercollegiate athletics. I especially like the proposed solutions provided.

An Important perspective on College Athletics

This book provides an excellent perspective from the President of a major academic and sports university of the challenges of intercollegiate sports. Athletics don't make money at any collegiate level (if costs included fixed plant expenses). They can cause serious scandal for Universities. But still the public demands winning programs. Dr. Duderstadt was perfectly experienced to speak on this issue coming from a great school but also a former athlete. He also brings an interesting perspective of the role of the Provost, which he held prior to being President. But even after listing all of the woes of how athletics affect colleges, he cops out and says they still have a place. I think this shows just how tough the problem is. It was interesting that quite a bit of his reading overlapped mine, and in fact, he agreed with me that Rick Telander, Sports Illustrated writer and former college football player, had a worthwhile solution of making college "pro" sports optional for colleges. He also had great discussions of the personalities of coaches and athletic directors and how that affects the programs, as well as discussions on how the media can harm college athletics. Sports journalists don't score high on his list.This book doesn't solve any problems but does give a different and insightful analysis of the challenge. I recommend this book to those trying to understand the finances of college athletics and how an athletic department exists inside a major university.

Universities punt when it comes to managing athletics

Jim Duderstadt, former President of University of Michigan, an intercollegiate athlete himself and a full-time Big 10 fan, has finally decided the shred the public relations shroud around the reality of Division I athletic teams. He demonstrates the wanton excess associated with college basketbal programs, as well as most football programs. At the same time, he reaffirms the value of most other sports programs at the college level. His voice is a rational warning, unfortunately heard by few university presidents where accountability for this issue really sits. Too many of them, according to Duderstadt, pass the buck for the appalling professionalization of major college sports, placing blame on alumni, the public, state legislatures, faculty or others. Fortunately, he nails down the responsibilities of each group with incriminating detail, and urges massive reform. The cost of the current game plan in Division I schools is rising, he demonstrates, and may end up in defeat for the institutions we consider essential to educating future generations. Read it now -- before March Madness sucks you into the p.r. spin!