Charting a Course for the Future of the MEAC

In this episode, I'm joined by Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas to chat about the MEAC's new partnership with Syracuse University and how his conference is approaching name, image and likeness for its student athletes.

Dr. Thomas is the third full-time commissioner of the conference and entered his 20th year this summer. He's retiring in December, but he's made some big moves for the conference ahead of his exit.

In this episode, we discussed:

• His approach to NIL at the conference level for MEAC student athletes
• What he thinks makes MEAC, and other HBCU, student athletes uniquely marketable
• How HBCUs will benefit from their student athletes landing NIL deals
• How the MEAC's partnership with Syracuse came to be
• What he hopes MEAC student athletes, staff and professors will get out of the partnership with Syracuse
• How partnerships like this one and the SWAC's with the Pac-12 can drive change

You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram to discuss further, ask additional questions or suggest future episodes.

You can find more of my analysis on the business of college sports at BusinessofCollegeSports.com and Forbes.

You can follow Kristi on Twitter and Instagram to discuss further, ask additional questions or suggest future episodes.

You can find more of her analysis on the business of college sports at BusinessofCollegeSports.com and Forbes.

Need data and real-world experts to help you make decisions in your athletic department? Check out College Sports Solutions and connect with Jeff on LinkedIn.