Examining Leadership in Intercollegiate Athletics: A Content Analysis of NCAA Division I Athletic Directors

The purpose of this study was to explore the gender and race underrepresentation of women and minorities in intercollegiate athletic departments at the athletic director position. The human capital theory was used with focus on the personal human capital investments attained in career success. A content analysis was conducted and 21 variables observed of intercollegiate athletic director biographies published on the 348 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) member institutions’ athletic website. Results suggest that there was no statistical difference in the human capital investments on the basis of gender or race and that there must be other factors contributing to the under representation of women and minorities in intercollegiate athletic departments.