Eastern Illinois alumnus Dr. Joni Comstock, Class of ’79, is in her second year as the NCAA Senior Vice-President of Championships and senior woman administrator.
She reports directly to NCAA President Myles Brand and oversees 84 championships and a staff of 50. Comstock previously served as Director of Athletics at American University (2003-2006) and at North Carolina-Asheville (2000-2003). She also was senior associate athletic director at Purdue (1989-2000).
When selected to her current position in 2006, Brand said, "Joni emerged from a very strong field of candidates as the new senior vice president because of her experience at the local, conference and national levels. Her efforts at both the University of North Carolina, Asheville and at American University have been characterized by strong leadership and visionary growth."
The following is a Q & A with Dr. Comstock in regard to her position at the NCAA, her views on intercollegiate athletics and her experience at EIU.
Q? Joni, let’s start with an easy question. What’s the best part of your job?
A! Whether it’s the 25 years I spent on college campuses or here at the NCAA, it is knowing that you are supporting the dreams of student-athletes…giving them an opportunity to excel at every level:"
Q? What is the most challenging aspect of working at the NCAA national office?
A! I believe working with institutions to try to be sure they are supporting a strong intercollegiate athletic program while continuing to deal with the issues related to funding…the financial piece of intercollegiate athletics gets tougher every year…I knew this first hand as an athletic director…but even now when I’m removed from the day to day aspect of directing an intercollegiate program, I still get calls from institutions and conferences who are dealing with this critical financial part of intercollegiate athletics."
Q? You made the decision to transition from athletic director to the NCAA national office. Do you miss being on a college campus where you had more direct contact with student-athletes?
A! Yes, I certainly miss the day to day interaction with the coaches and students…but even though I’m one step removed, I still try to find time to go to campuses…visit with coaches and students…and attend as many championships as possible…the NCAA sponsors 88 total championships and has separate administrative staffs for men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and the football championship subdivision…so there are 50 people who assist in managing the other 84 championships under my direction."
Q? Where are we in regard to gender equity and opportunities for women in collegiate athletics. Is it a level playing field or a constant vigil to assure programs are following Title IX?
A! "As I reflect back to 1979 when I left Eastern, there certainly has been dramatic progress…both in quantity and the quality of women’s athletics…I tell current student-athletes how women shared locker rooms and uniforms and how we traveled…they can’t believe it…so indeed there has been considerable progress but we still have a long way to go…and much of that is in the visibility of women’s sports…and that increased visibility goes hand in hand with the financial challenges which make it much more difficult to increase and improve these opportunities today."
Q? There seems to be fewer women interested in a coaching career in intercollegiate athletics, at least when we look at the pool of candidates…is that a fair comment or not?
A! Yes it is…this is a major area of concern for the NCAA…as I mentioned we have seen increased support for women’s athletics but there has been a corresponding decline in female coaches…and it’s in all sports at all levels although I would say that softball and basketball have held up the best…but we’ve started programs to encourage women to consider coaching and administrative positions…but it’s also most important that young people are exposed to great professional role models, regardless of gender."
Q? What or who initially influenced your involvement in athletics, and when did this occur?
A! As probably is the case with a lot of women, it started with my father…he had a huge amount of influence on me…growing up in Lincoln in the 60s and 70s there weren’t very many organized athletic programs for women…so my Dad and I spent a lot of time in the backyard and in the neighborhood playing whatever sport was in season…my interscholastic activities started as a sophomore and were swimming and tennis…so I credit my father by encouraging me a great deal."
Q? What sport or sports were you involved with at EIU?
A! I had a great experience at Eastern…Joan Schmidt, Helen Riley and Margie Wright were the women who I respected…I played volleyball…Joan was thecoach the first two years and then Margie Wright took over…Margie was great with young people and she was a real competitor in whatever sport she was involved with…she wanted to win…and taught me some great lessons on how to be competitive."
Q? If you had not become a college athletic administrator, what would U be doing now?
A! I think I would still be on a college campus but in a different role….when I left my first job at Lincoln College to get my doctorate degree at Illinois, I thought I was finished with athletics because my intent was to pursue a career in higher education administration…but I had the opportunity to get an assistantship with the athletic association at the University of Illinois and work with Karol Kahrs (now retired Associate AD and senior woman administrator at the University of Illinois)…she was very influential on my career…really mentored me and gave me an opportunity…and here I am today still in college athletics."
Q? When you have time to relax what do you enjoy doing?
A! I have been a bit of a golfer…but my first year with the NCAA hasn’t allowed for much extra time on the golf course…but the one thing that is a plus living in Indianapolis is that I’m only three hours from my parents and sister so it’s nice to be able to get back to the Springfield and Lincoln areas and spend some time with family."
Q? If you were speaking with a group of EIU student-athletes what would be your advice?
A! Take advantage of everything that college offers…experience the entire environment so that you can get a great education at EIU…I know Eastern graduates have accomplished some great things and it’s due to their abilities…but also due to the opportunities they were offered so work hard and enjoy the experience."
Story by Dave Kidwell, Assistant Athletic Director for Special Projects
