The University of Wisconsin-Madison Athletic Board reflected Friday on the university’s journey toward the men’s basketball national championship in March and how UW-Madison was perceived on a national scale.
Brian Lucas, Director of Athletic Communications, said Wisconsin’s opportunity to play in the NCAA Final Four game also meant the nation’s eyes would be on the university and, specifically, its athletic department.
Lucas cited numerous examples of national media coverage, including a New York Times article commending the Badgers’ focus on academics, as a benefit in shedding light on UW-Madison’s brand.
While the game took place in northern Texas, Lucas said both the communications and marketing departments also worked to ensure fans felt as though they were still part of the experience, no matter where they were watching.
“Our fans are, I think, a little different than normal college fans. They like to win, obviously, but I think they also like to know we’re doing it the right way,” Lucas said. “They like to see our kids’ personalities and that’s what we tried to do throughout this.”
Within a four-month period, Wisconsin’s social media presence greatly expanded, which aided in nationally distinguishing the university.
Board members also addressed the topic of potential NCAA governance restructuring at the meeting, mentioning recent discussion surrounding the possibility of a Northwestern University unionization.
Faculty Representative Sheila McGuirk said the NCAA will look to vote on a new structure in August 2014 that will divide responsibilities between a board of directors, charged with oversight and general direction, and a council, who would have purview over more day-to-day activities.
McGuirk said the council would have a voice in the university’s shared governance structure and would house two voting student-athlete members.
The Big Ten has prioritized issues it feels should be addressed in a restructure, including the power of student voice in shared government and the balance between athlete and student, in addition to health insurance rights, according to McGuirk.
Though a final decision on what will come out of restructuring has yet to be made, Athletic Board Chair Dale Bjorling said he feels as though efforts are being made in the right direction.
Bjorling added Chancellor Rebecca Blank will be in attendance at the June 20 board meeting, which will be the last of his tenure as chair.
