The CALS Report

EP. 20 | Inside Revenue Generation on the Front Lines of College Athletics

What does it take to go from a solid fundraiser to someone who consistently delivers at the highest level? In this episode of The CALS Report, the conversation goes beyond tactics and into mindset, discipline, and the small habits that build trust over time. Host Quinn Kavanagh, Associate AD for Major Gifts at Tennessee, is joined by two respected industry leaders. Brady Hart serves as Deputy AD and Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Tennessee, overseeing revenue generation and serving as the sport administrator for football. Denson Hollis is the CEO/Senior Associate AD for Development for Ole Miss Athletics and the sport administrator for men's basketball. Together, they dive into how they built their careers, from vastly different paths to leadership roles, and what it takes to build and sustain high-performing teams. The conversation covers everything from creating a culture of “professional problem solvers,” to empowering staff at every level, to the real skills that separate good fundraisers from elite ones. They also unpack today’s biggest challenges, including NIL, evolving donor expectations, and balancing fundraising responsibilities with sport oversight. It’s a candid, practical discussion filled with insight for anyone looking to grow in college athletics or lead at a higher level.

Ep. 19 | Ryan Alpert | Georgia Tech AD

Georgia Tech AD Ryan Alpert joins The CALS Report for a candid look at his first year in the chair. From navigating high-stakes decisions to empowering his leadership team, Alpert shares what has surprised him most about the role and how he is building a modern athletic department in today’s NIL and revenue-driven era. Plus, registration is open for this year's CALS One-Day event at Georgia Tech in June. Listen in to learn more about this opportunity for athletic departments. 🎧 CALS Report Episode 19 now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Ep. 18 | Joe Castiglione

In this episode, we sit down with retiring University of Oklahoma Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione for an in-depth reflection on more than three decades of transformational leadership in college athletics. From the pivotal hiring of Bob Stoops and the launch of a historic capital campaign to Oklahoma’s move to the SEC and the rapidly evolving NIL era, Castiglione offers candid insight into the strategic decisions that positioned Oklahoma for sustained excellence. Beyond championships and conference realignment, Castiglione also reflects on what may be one of his most meaningful legacies: mentoring the next generation of leaders. Over the course of his career, 33 members of his staff have gone on to become athletic directors at other institutions — a testament to his commitment to leadership development and investing in people. At its core, this conversation is about stewardship, values, and building programs that win the right way while creating life-changing experiences for student-athletes And then in "The Lobby" segment, Mississippi State Deputy AD and former OU Assoc. AD Joey Bailey leads a conversation with Mississippi State AD Zac Selmon, Cornell AD Nicki Moore and West Virginia AD Wren Baker about the impact Castiglione's mentorship made on their careers.

Ep.17 | Tulane AD David Harris and JMU AD Matt Roan on winning conference titles, earning CFP berths and replacing head coaches in one wild month + Hoops Talk in The Lobby with 2 sport admins

Episode 17 of The CALS Report is a powerful look at leadership, momentum, and navigating success in today’s college athletics landscape. The Big Interview takes listeners inside what can only be described as a whirlwind month at Tulane and James Madison. Athletic directors David Harris and Matt Roan join Ryan Bradley to reflect on the rapid-fire reality of winning conference championships, earning College Football Playoff berths, and then immediately navigating head coaching changes. It is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about balancing celebration with crisis management, keeping student athletes at the center during uncertainty, and leading calmly when everything is moving at once. In The Lobby, the focus shifts to basketball, with veteran coach Dane Fischer leading a thoughtful conversation with Jonathan Botros of Texas Tech and Josh Cowan of Mississippi State. Together, they unpack basketball sport supervision, the evolving demands of the role, and practical advice for the next generation of athletic administrators. Episode 17 reflects what The CALS Report does best: real conversations, shared experiences, and leadership lessons that extend far beyond the game.

Episode 16 | College Football News with Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger + Hiring a Head Football Coach in 2025

In the big interview, we’re talking to Ross Dellenger, Yahoo Sports senior college football reporter. He shares his takes on some of the biggest issues shaping college football right now. The College Football Playoff. Expansion. Conference power. Private equity. And the uncertainty around federal legislation like the SCORE Act. Ross talks with our own Ryan Bradley about the decisions being made right now, the debates happening behind the scenes, and what it all means moving forward. After that conversation, we head into The Lobby. Brakston Brock, Associate Athletic Director for Development at Oklahoma State, leads this segment. He’s joined by two senior leaders who’ve just lived through major head football coach searches. Reid Sigmon, Deputy Athletic Director at Oklahoma State. And Rhett Hobart, Deputy Athletic Director at Auburn. Together, they walk through what the hiring process really looks like today. The crowded coaching carousel. A compressed calendar. Confidentiality. Search firms. And the pressure to get it right. It’s a candid conversation about leadership, process, and decision-making at the highest level.