West Hartford, CT - The Chronicle of Higher Education has named University of Hartford President Walter Harrison “One of the 10 Most Powerful People in College Sports.” He is the only college President on the list. The list appeared on the Chronicle's web site Oct. 5 and in its Oct. 12 printed edition.
President Harrison serves on a number of NCAA committees, most notably as the chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Committee on Academic Performance. Under his leadership the work of the Committee on Academic Performance has changed the face of college athletics, establishing greater academic standards for eligibility. He is also the immediate past chair of the NCAA Executive Committee.
The Chronicle describes President Harrison as “The Reformer” and says the following:
“Next spring, when the NCAA releases its latest Academic Progress Rate data, nearly half of all big-time men's basketball programs could face penalties for underperforming in the classroom. In coming years, if teams don't make big improvements, they risk losing scholarships, recruiting privileges, and postseason opportunities. Mr. Harrison led the powerful NCAA committee that created the strict academic standards, which could have a lasting impact on the game.”
The list includes (in part and in no particular order) Tennessee Women's Basketball coach Pat Summitt, SEC Commissioner Michael Slive and ESPN's Chuck Gerber. The piece was in response to a Business Week article that highlighted the 100 most influential people in sports and noted only two college officials, NCAA President Myles Brand and Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany.
"I am very honored to be placed among such a select group of people, all of whom have made a tremendous impact on college athletics," said Harrison. "I believe that all of our efforts have been grounded in a commitment by our organizations to improve the college experience for all students, including student-athletes. In my mind, involvement in athletics is an incubator for academic success. It also acts as a wonderful tool in helping our student-athletes excel in the academic arena. One is not exclusive of the other."
Walter Harrison has served as the fifth president of the University of Hartford since 1998. Under his direction, the University has experienced a period of energy and vitality unmatched in its history. During this period the University's academic quality, finances, and fundraising have improved dramatically.
