When Football Programs Increase the Racial and Gender Diversity at Small, Private Colleges

Joe Mullins,Daniel Teodorescu

doi:10.15763/issn.2376-5267.2020.1.7.61-90

Abstract

Abstract: This research examined if the addition of new small, private college football programs increased the diversity of enrollment on campus and provided opportunities for underrepresented minority students to earn a college degree. The researchers examined enrollment trends at 150 private small colleges: 50 that started new football programs between the years of 1990-2013, 50 that had existing football programs, and 50 without football programs during the same period. The study found that the percentage of small private colleges that experienced high increases in minorities and male students (5% or higher) was higher among the colleges that started a new football program than at institutions with existing football programs or institutions without football programs. The study’s findings provide valuable information for college administrators considering adding a new football program at their institution. The study also contributes new research that explores how adding a new football program impacts the diversity of student enrollment at small, private collegiate institutions. Enrollment management directors must become more aware of the need to hire diverse faculty and staff that can better relate to and serve a diverse student body. In addition, athletic leaders can approach college decision makers with information related to how the addition of a new football program will affect the diversity of student enrollment.

Highlights

This research examined if the addition of new small, private college football programs increased the diversity of enrollment on campus and provided opportunities for underrepresented minority students to earn a college degree
The National Football Foundation (2016) data show that of all new football programs between 2008 and 2015, 57% started in small institutions that compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Associations (NCAA) Division III and enroll less than 2,500 students
The purpose of the current study was to explore if the addition of a new football program on small, private college campuses resulted in an increase in minority and male student enrollments

Summary

Introduction

This research examined if the addition of new small, private college football programs increased the diversity of enrollment on campus and provided opportunities for underrepresented minority students to earn a college degree. The National Football Foundation (2016) data show that of all new football programs between 2008 and 2015, 57% started in small institutions that compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the NCAA Division III and enroll less than 2,500 students. A review of recent college football feasibility studies found that Division I college and university leaders believed that adding football would provide many benefits including a sense of community on campus, an institutional identity, and increased student applications (Van Holm & Zook, 2016). A successful college football program could have important financial implications, such as increased public funding and fundraising opportunities for the institution (Getz & Siegfried, 2012)

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