At USD, we support the whole-person development of our student-athletes, helping them build skills that last well beyond the playing field. Their success — both in competition and in the classroom — reflects this commitment. During the spring 2025 semester, all 17 Torero teams combined for an impressive 3.36 GPA, with nearly 80% of student-athletes earning a 3.0 or higher, underscoring USD’s dedication to holistic wellness, academic excellence and growth in every arena.
Yet even as we celebrate these achievements, the broader landscape of college athletics is shifting in ways that challenge this very model of balance and opportunity. College football’s enormous popularity and profits have given the NCAA’s Power Four conferences outsized control, creating inequalities that disadvantage smaller programs and other collegiate sports. As a university president, I’ve seen firsthand how this imbalance can affect both athletes and institutions.
In October, I shared these concerns in an Op-Ed published in The New York Times, where I argued that the growing influence of the Power Four conferences negatively impacts universities and student-athletes alike. I believe the best solution is for these conferences to form their own governing association — allowing the NCAA to focus on fair competition and to expand opportunities across other sports, especially for women and Olympic athletes.
No matter the outcome at the national level with regard to governance, please know that at USD we remain committed to ensuring that our student-athletes have a full collegiate experience while competing at the highest levels in athletics.
Peace,
Jim
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James T. Harris III, President
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It was an honor to hear from Professor Roy L. Brooks during tonight’s distinguished lecture series that bears his name. Professor Brooks has taught at USD’s School of Law for 47 years and is the embodiment of our vision to confront humanity’s urgent challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love.
Generations of Professor Brooks’ former law students were in the audience tonight - a testament to his legacy and impact as a teacher and scholar.
Thanks to the USD Center for Cultural Development for organizing the series.
Follow the University of San Diego on social media @uofsandiego
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HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND
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USD IN THE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
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Video: USD in the News Highlights
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President’s Blog: College Athletes on the Professional Stage
To help our athletes thrive, we’re continuously investing in them to make sure they have all the tools they need, not only in the classroom but also to help them practice their respective sports effectively. ... Read More
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We Don’t Expect to Teach: Dr. Greg Prieto on Mortality and Meaning in the Classroom
This week, the College of Arts and Sciences and the entire USD community remember Dr. Greg Prieto, professor of sociology, who died in October after being diagnosed with cancer in March 2024. ... Read More
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The College of Arts and Sciences Releases its Third Annual Arts & Sciences Magazine
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego is excited to introduce the third edition of the annual Arts & Sciences magazine. This edition offers a comprehensive collection of stories that highlight key college news, events and milestones. ... Read More
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Beyond the Classroom: Eileen Daspro Takes the Helm at the Ahlers Center for International Business
For Eileen Daspro, clinical professor and the newly appointed director of the Ahlers Center for International Business at USD’s Knauss School of Business... Read More
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The Betwixt and the Between: Caroline Baillie's Journey Across the Interfaces of Materials, Justice and Education
In Fall 2025, Professor of Integrated Engineering, Caroline Baillie, PhD, was awarded the University Professorship at the University of San Diego — the highest academic honor bestowed university-wide. ... Read More
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USD's School of Law Establishes New Legal Clinic
On Oct. 10, USD recognized 10 members of the faculty, staff and administration who embody the university’s mission to care for our common home. ... Read More
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Suggested contributions to future issues of the President's Postcard can be sent to the Office of Content Development and Strategy at cds@sandiego.edu
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