The Nebraska Examiner published an Op-Ed from Vice Chancellor/Athletic Director Adrian Dowell on Oct. 19. 

"Conference realignment and the hundreds of millions of dollars wrapped up in television contracts and associated consequences have understandably been the story of the summer in college athletics.

I believe there's a bigger story out there than the college sports arms race, and it puts the focus on the lifelong success of our student-athletes. Responsibility for their holistic wellness and development falls on athletic departments and the universities they represent.  As intercollegiate athletics evolves, my hope is that our industry remains committed to this mission as part of our institutions' objectives and not solely focused on our financial dashboards.

Thankfully, the NCAA recognized this opportunity to enhance support toward the well-being of our student-athletes by recently announcing elevated requirements called the "holistic student-athlete benefits model" for all Division I institutions that take effect next summer in 2024. These standards require members to demonstrate, among other things, that they provide student-athletes with medical and degree completion support; life skills development; career counseling; support for name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities; mental health support; proper nutrition; and strength and conditioning.

Fortunately, the University of Nebraska at Omaha saw this need well before the NCAA moved to make new requirements. Thanks to impactful support from our campus and community, we have proactively taken steps not only to adhere to the new Division I standards but to exceed them. We are committed to supporting the physical, mental and intellectual wellness of our Mavericks in a way that nurtures their success in the classroom, competition and to build future leaders for our community."

Read the full article here.