This week on Valley Edition we talk about the challenges of balancing academics and athletics at NCAA Division I schools, and hear from Fresno State President John Welty and CSUB President Horace Mitchell. We also talk about efforts to help those in need this holiday season.
Segment 1: Academics versus athletics on campus
Last week, Fresno State fired head football coach Pat Hill after a disappointing season, both on the field and at the turnstile. The desire for colleges to field winning teams and generate millions in associated revenue has never been greater. But in an era of shrinking academic budgets and rising tuition, is the dream of a “big time” college sports program still sustainable, especially at a CSU school? University Presidents Dr. John Welty of Fresno State and Dr. Horace Mitchell of CSU Bakersfield join our discussion and talk about their vision for inter-collegiate athletics on their campuses. Fresno Bee columnist Bill McEwen and Bulldog Foundation incoming chair Ed Dunkle also provide their perspectives on the financial challenges facing these programs.
Segment 2: Helping those in need
This holiday season our attention turns to those in our community who are in need. With continued high unemployment and high poverty, the need this year is especially great. Our discussion features Anthony Armour, General Operations Manager of Neighborhood Thrift in Fresno, Dayatra Latin from the Community Food Bank and Iris East of the Visalia Emergency Aid Council.
