Skip to main content

Professional Linkage Seminar (394-LK-22)

Topic

The Business of College Sport

Instructors

Derrick L Gragg
Walter Athletics Center 2255 Campus Dr EV
Office Hours: By Appointment
Dr. Derrick Gragg is the Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation at Northwestern University, being named to the position in June 2021. The 23rd person chosen to lead the Wildcats' athletic department, Gragg holds a wealth of expertise as an athletic director, college sports administrator, and higher education leader. He held the position of Vice President & Director of Athletics at the University of Tulsa for seven years, preceded by a seven-year tenure as Director of Athletics at Eastern Michigan University. Overall, Gragg has served as a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Director of Athletics for a total of 16 years, with his teams capturing over 50 conference championships.

Meeting Info

Technological Institute F280: Wed 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

The Business of College Sport

This course is an in-depth overview of the major issues related to intercollegiate athletic administration. The course will focus on the history of college athletics, operations, finances, strategic planning, and critical issues and future trends that impact college sport. This course will provide a weekly forum for examining and analyzing the significant issues related to college sport. We will discuss "hot button" issues such as the debate regarding whether student-athletes are university employees; name, image and likeness opportunities for student-athletes; coach and student-athlete behavioral issues; social justice consciousness related to racial equality and opportunity and its significant impact on the entire sports landscape; the NCAA governance structure; the litigation related to college athletics; the student-athlete transfer portal; conference re-alignment; and other pertinent issues. We will also interact with experienced, accomplished figures in college athletics today.

Class Materials (Required)

"The Business and Governance of College Sports" by Scott Bukstein (9781524950965) Approx cost: $57

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/business-and-governance-college-sports

Class Notes

There are no waitlists for BUS_INST courses. If the class closes before your registration time, please check back.

For more information, please view sample syllabus: https://businessinstitutions.northwestern.edu/courses/course-descriptions/index.html

*WINTER 2025: FINAL EXAM (PRESENTATIONS) WILL TAKE PLACE ON: TBD

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: PRE-REG:Reserved for Business Institutions Program majors & minors.