Sara Schulte | Oct. 8, 2008
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| Photo by Aimee Reif |
| NCAA public relations professionals Bob Williams and Gail Dent spoke to PRSSA members Tuesday night. |
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“Let me address the big elephant right now. I don’t know what the Committee on Infractions will do with the IU situation,” said Williams, managing director of public and media relations for the NCAA, referring to pending decisions on former IU basketball coach Kelvin Sampson’s rules infractions.
Williams was at Ernie Pyle Hall Tuesday to share his thoughts and insights with 70 members of the IU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America at the group’s monthly meeting. NCAA’s Gail Dent, associate director of public and media relations, and Chris Radford came with Williams.
Even though Williams addressed the infractions, he ended any discussion of the controversial topic before it could begin. However, those in attendance may have come away with an understanding of the processes the NCAA uses to make decisions these situations.
Williams explained the chain of events that leads to a decision: an independent committee of lawyers, known as “the committee on infractions,” reviews the facts as presented to them and decides the outcome. Every situation is viewed as its own case; no two are the same and, therefore, they are judged on their own merits.
Although the audience was no closer to an answer on Sampson’s case, Williams said a decision should be released within the next month or so.
After more than 25 years of service as a public affairs officer with the U.S. Air Force, Williams joined the NCAA three years ago. While in existence for 103 years, the NCAA operated without a formal public relations department until 1993.
“It’s amazing to me that an organization that’s been around for so long has been able to keep its brand and reputation without the help of public relations,” said Williams.
When Dent arrived in 2001, she was one of three people on the public relations staff of a national association. When Williams arrived, there were seven and now there are 13.
Williams said some were wary about the new approach that he brought to the NCAA.
“Some days, there will be a line that says, ‘The NCAA did not comment.’ That won’t be because the reporters can’t reach me; it will be because I don’t want to comment.”
Dent admitted that Williams’ philosophy on returning media calls flew in the face of most professionals’ views, but it has been a philosophy that she said is effective.
“With that mentality and Bob’s leadership, we have been able to get work done,” Dent said. “Today, we’re much better communicators and we do respond to media because it’s important to keep those relationships.”
All three professionals left students with two simple pieces of advice: “Get experience and network.”
PRSSA’s next meeting is 7 p.m. Nov. 11 in the IMU Oak Room, and the group plans to host a resume workshop.
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