Strengthening Institutional Culture: How I Build Environments Where People Thrive, Commit, and Contribute
One of the most important responsibilities I have carried throughout my career is shaping and strengthening institutional culture. Whether I’ve been leading athletics programs, managing large operational divisions, or working collaboratively across campus units, I’ve learned that culture is more than a slogan taped to a wall — it is the living, breathing identity of an institution.
You feel culture when you walk across campus, when you interact with staff, when you watch student-athletes compete, or when you speak with alumni. Culture is expressed in how people treat one another, how decisions are made, and how leaders demonstrate their values through their behavior. Over time, I have seen how strong cultures elevate institutions and how weak cultures quietly erode them.
One of my personal leadership priorities has always been to create environments where people feel valued, supported, and challenged to grow. People perform at their highest levels when three things are true:
They understand the mission.
They trust the leadership.
They feel their contributions matter.
Throughout my leadership career, I have made it a point to communicate the “why” behind decisions, not just the “what.” When people feel included, informed, and respected, they take ownership of the mission and align their work with the broader goals of the university.
Another critical element of culture is consistency. I’ve learned that people pay far more attention to what leaders do than what they say. Culture is built through actions — showing up, following through, communicating clearly, making fair decisions, and modeling the standards you expect from others. Trust grows when leaders are predictable in their values, transparent in their intentions, and steady in how they respond to challenges.
In my experience, culture strengthens when leaders create space for dialogue. I’ve always emphasized listening sessions, one-on-one conversations, and opportunities for staff and coaches to speak openly about their experiences. Strong cultures are built on honest communication, not suppressed concerns.
I have also made it a priority to celebrate people. Recognition is a powerful driver of performance — and too often overlooked. Whether acknowledging a staff milestone, celebrating a student-athlete achievement, or highlighting a department’s success, I’ve seen how small gestures can leave a lasting impact on morale and team unity.
Ultimately, culture is the most valuable asset a university possesses. It determines how people collaborate, how teams navigate conflict, how students feel when they arrive on campus, and how alumni describe their institution decades later. Culture outlasts crises, leadership transitions, budget pressures, and external challenges — if it is strong, consistent, and intentionally nurtured.
I remain committed to building cultures anchored in integrity, respect, excellence, and mission-driven purpose. It is the work that defines institutions, elevates people, and creates environments where everyone can thrive.
