DRIVEN BY THE MISSION

Mission: Sustained Excellence

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506705/fan_mail/new] Episode 13- Mission: Sustained Excellence In this episode, we sit down with Walt Holliday, Executive Director of the Cox Communication Center at LSU and a 32-year veteran of academic support and student athlete development. What starts as a reunion of old friends quickly becomes a masterclass in servant leadership, quiet excellence, and staying grounded through relentless change. Walt shares how a chance meeting with a dean at Rutgers redirected his entire life's path, what it means to truly meet students where they are, and how he's navigated the new era of NIL, the transfer portal, and roster turnover — all while honoring the memory of a beloved colleague and friend. Follow DBTM @drivenbythemission on IG, Facebook, TikTok Subscribe / Rate / Share if an episode has impacted you—because if it helps one, it’s worth it.

Mission: Accountability

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506705/fan_mail/new] Episode 12- Mission: Accountability In this episode of Driven By The Mission, we sit down with Katie Ethridge, a respected leader and lifelong champion of student-athlete success.  Katie offers candid insight into how meaningful relationships, individualized support, and a clear sense of purpose can transform lives both on and off the field. She also honors the legacy of her late colleague and dear friend, Alise Svihla, whose passion and positivity continue to inspire professionals across the industry. Tune into this episode to discover why behind every successful student-athlete is a Hidden Hero who chose to care, invest, and stay committed to the Mission. Follow DBTM @drivenbythemission on IG, Facebook, TikTok Subscribe / Rate / Share if an episode has impacted you—because if it helps one, it’s worth it. Follow DBTM @drivenbythemission on IG, Facebook, TikTok Subscribe / Rate / Share if an episode has impacted you—because if it helps one, it’s worth it.

Mission: Learning Style'Z

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506705/fan_mail/new] Episode 11- Mission: Learning Style'Z In this episode of Driven By The Mission, Raymond Harrison and Jean Boyd welcome Yolanda Black, Learning Specialist at the University of Georgia, to spotlight the work happening behind the scenes of academic support for student-athletes.  The conversation includes conversations about learning styles and skill building, but goes beyond academics — diving into confidence-building, identity development, mental health, and the complex realities student-athletes face in today’s NIL and transfer portal era.  Yolanda offers a deeply personal and inspiring perspective on her purpose and mental health journey and how her calling to support students through a learning specialist role brought healing to her. Follow DBTM @drivenbythemission on IG, Facebook, TikTok Subscribe / Rate / Share if an episode has impacted you—because if it helps one, it’s worth it.

Mission: Gratitude

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506705/fan_mail/new] Episode 10- Mission: Gratitude Episode 10 is a milestone so we’re switching it up. Jean Boyd and Raymond Harrison sit down with DBTM team member Cecil Banks III to reflect on the first 10 episodes, the guests who helped build the foundation, and the “why” behind this Mission.  In this episode, the crew shares what it really took to launch DBTM, how a pivotal conversation set everything in motion, and why college athletics must remain the most ingenious human development platform in the world—even as NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal reshape the landscape. They revisit standout lessons from guests throughout college athletics—from leadership and identity development to vulnerability, trust, and building environments that don’t lose the mission in the money. If you’ve ever needed a reminder to keep going, this one’s for you. Follow DBTM @drivenbythemission on IG, Facebook, TikTok Subscribe / Rate / Share if an episode has impacted you—because if it helps one, it’s worth it.

Mission: Intentional

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506705/fan_mail/new] Episode 9- Mission: Intentional In this episode of Driven By The Mission, Jean Boyd and Raymond Harrison are joined by Tori Niemann Lukens, Assistant AD and Director of Student-Athlete Development at Clemson University, for a powerful conversation on intentional leadership, identity, and human development in college athletics. Tori reflects on her journey from Division I student-athlete to senior administrator, sharing why sport is a vehicle—not the destination. She discusses the impact of the “final buzzer,” the danger of over-identifying with sport, and how intentional programming, relationship-building, and real-world reps prepare student-athletes for life beyond competition. A must-listen for leaders, coaches, and practitioners committed to developing the whole student-athlete. Follow DBTM @drivenbythemission on IG, Facebook, TikTok Subscribe / Rate / Share if an episode has impacted you—because if it helps one, it’s worth it.