Pillars of Progress | Where Athletics Meets Impact: UNO’s Vision for Community and Competition

What does it take to run a successful Division I athletic program in the modern era of college sports? In this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, we sit down with Adrian Dowell, the Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). Adrian pulls back the curtain on how UNO Athletics serves as a massive driver for community growth, student enrollment, and economic development in the Omaha area. Adrian breaks down the chaotic, fast-changing landscape of college sports, from navigating the House case settlement and NIL to managing the transfer portal. He also shares exclusive updates on UNO’s massive $55 million training facility and baseball and softball clubhouse at Maverick Park. Whether you are a Mavs fan, a sports business enthusiast, or curious about the future of the NCAA, this conversation is packed with masterclass insights on what it takes to thrive as a mid-major program.