In this episode, Dean Pollard sits down with The
University of Arizona Athletic Director,
Desireé Reed-Francois for a lively conversation about building a championship culture and shaping future leaders both on and off the field. They delve into the dynamic intersection of sports and academics, sharing insights on the power of leadership and the ways athletics and academics align in creating cohesive, high-performing teams. Desireé, a U of A alumna and former student-athlete herself, recounts her journey from UCLA rower to seasoned athletic director, including her impactful years at the U of A Law School in the '90s.
With vivid sports analogies, Desireé shares stories from her diverse career in collegiate sports, spotlighting memorable moments including a speech to incoming freshman students alongside Arizona’s start quarterback Noah Fifita. They also discuss the future of collegiate athletics, including Arizona’s Big Twelve conference move and the innovative Franke Honors dual degree program in Creative Intelligence and Innovation. As the only woman AD in the Big Twelve, Desireé offers inspiring insights into leadership, resilience, and preparing student-athletes for life beyond sports.
What is It's an Honor?
Welcome to It’s an Honor, a podcast from the W.A. Franke Honors College. It’s an Honor invites listeners into nuanced conversations that embrace the complexity of the world we inhabit. By examining the areas where ideas rub against each other, guests will engage in bold discussion that fosters understanding, empathy, and growth. Exploring different perspectives enhances our own—it's an honor for us to learn from one another. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the W.A. Franke Honors College.