THE DRAKE GROUP
http://thedrakegroup.org/

History

The Drake Group was founded in 1999 when Jon Ericson, a former professor and provost at Drake University invited a distinguished group of college faculty, authors, and activists to a twenty-four-hour think takk in how to end academic corruption in college sport.  Included in the conference were members of faculty senates, journalists, athletic directors, and members of organizations such as the NCAA and the Knight Foundation Commission on Collegiate Sport.  Out of the meeting emerged an organization initially called the National Association of Faculty for Collegiate Athletic Reform (NAFCAR).  The organization changed its name to The Drake Group in 2000 and also adopted bylaws and elected officers.  The group's misison and goals were formally defined at an annual meeting in Chicago in 2003.  The  Robert Maynard Hutchins Award is given annually to faculty or staff members who take a courageous stand to defend academic integrity at their institutions, often risking job security in doing so.   
 
The Drake Group Mission

The mission of The Drake Group is to defend academic integrity in higher education from the corrosive aspects of commercialized college sports. 

The Drake Group Goals

Ensure that universities provide accountability of trustees, administrators,
and faculty by publicly disclosing information about the quality of educations
college athletes receive.

Be a major lobby for proposals that ensure quality education for students
who participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Support faculty and staff whose job security and professional standing are
threatened when they defend academic standards in intercollegiate sports 

Influence public discourse on current issues and controversies in sports and
higher education.

Coordinate local and national reform efforts with other groups that share
our mission, goals, and/or proposals.

I am on the Advisory Council of The Drake Group and am a member of their Board of Directors, currently serving as Secretary.