The world of college athletics is forever evolving, and the arrival of the transfer portal, name, image, and likeness rights, and revenue sharing has made navigating your way to success more difficult than ever.
But that doesn’t mean the modern world can’t benefit from some old-school lessons.
On an episode of O’Neill Speaks, the official podcast of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Scott Dolson, the vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Indiana University, said he uses the skills taught to him during his time as an undergraduate at the O’Neill School on a daily basis.
“The biggest thing was really learning how to budget my time, how to work hard, how to prepare,” said Dolson, who is also the O’Neill School’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winner, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate by the school. “I had to really understand where my priorities were and make certain that I was prepared, whether it was for an exam, whether it was for a paper, or whether it was for a presentation in school—there’s not a day that goes by I don't draw back on my experience from being a student here at IU and particularly in O’Neill that helps me with my job today.”
Dolson earned a bachelor’s degree in public affairs with a concentration in management in 1988 while also serving as the head manager for the IU men’s basketball team. He joined the staff of the IU Varsity Club in 1989, eventually rising to become the director, and he became part of the IU Athletics Department as deputy director and chief operating officer in 2009.
As IU’s athletic director, Dolson has overseen major facility improvements, guided the department through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and championed opportunities for student-athletes in the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness rights. Beyond athletics, he has played a vital role in connecting IU alumni and fans with the university community.
He also believes the O’Neill School provides great opportunities for young people.
“If you have a chance to be a part of the O'Neill school, be a part of this incredible university, jump on it,” Dolson said. “Your experience at O’Neill will be so well-rounded. It'll prepare you for all aspects of different careers, whatever your path ends up being. You can be whoever you want.”
O’Neill Speaks can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast service.