Steve Tippett holds a position that fits into the woodwork of NCAA athletic departments while maintaining his career as chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science.
However, the nature of the job is critical to the overall well-doing of Bradley Athletics.
Tippett also serves as Bradley’s NCAA Faculty Representative, and was appointed in 2012 by then-university president Joanne Glasser. In a simpler context, he is the administrator serving as a connection between the NCAA and Bradley student-athletes.
The job includes approving athletic schedules with academics in mind, signing off on rosters, proctoring exams for the annual recruiting examinations and chairing the Intercollegiate Athletic Committee for the university.
Senior associate athletic director for academics and student development and senior woman administrator Jen Jones said Tippett has been key to the success of the department as a whole.
“He is highly regarded by his peers on campus and in the Missouri Valley Conference, and his reputation with students is that of a professor who is challenging, yet approachable and attentive,” Jones said.
Tippett sees his responsibilities as a big part of contributing to what Bradley student-athletes have achieved in the classroom.
“Being involved in this position for so long, it’s just really good to see how consistent Bradley student athletes are in the classroom,” Tippett said.
Consistent they are indeed, as Bradley has won the MVC All-Academic Award for three years in a row. One of Tippett’s roles in that success is providing assistance in communication across units of campus.
“That is due in large part to the talent of the athletes but also to a dedicated faculty and staff that see the learning actually take place,” Tippett said. “… Not all faculty members on campus are aware of the NCAA regulations and reporting that the athletic department must adhere to, I try to intervene when necessary.”
He has played an integral role in enforcing the department’s high standards of ethical behavior, while serving as an advocate and liaison to enhance the student-athlete experience, according to Jones.
“He understands the unique challenges of our student-athletes and has been a tremendous resource to them – and their instructors – as they navigate their academic and athletic responsibilities,” Jones said.
Tippett has been a faculty member at the university since 1995. Before his role as a faculty member, he worked in the athletics department as a physical therapy consultant.
Over time, he said that he got to know the coaches and student-athletes within the athletic department. When he was asked to serve in his current role out of the blue, he gladly accepted.
He is proud of the success Bradley has had throughout his oversight and believes that the department competes academically with Power Five schools, albeit with fewer resources.
“We continue to rank very high nationally in Academic Progress Rate, Progress Toward Degree requirements, as well as teams and individuals being recognized within the top-10 team GPA’s in the country,” Tippett said. “The NCAA is taking an exciting step towards recognizing institutions whose athletes are successful in the classroom and these institutions will be rewarded financially for this success.”
Jones utilizes Tippett’s breadth of knowledge and inquisitive way of thinking often.
“I often seek his input on a range of matters, and I always find him to be impartial, fair and knowledgeable,” Jones said. “He takes the time to listen and consider each situation, and I appreciate his sound judgement and leadership.”
With an athletic department that values strong academic performance, Tippett praised vice president for intercollegiate athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds for building a culture that values strong academic performances.
“I think Dr. Reynolds has done an outstanding job of providing the best opportunities available to our student athletes, especially in light of the resources,” Tippett said.
Despite the constantly changing world of college athletics, Tippett believes Bradley Athletics is keeping up to date and adapting to change when needed.
“The future is bright and continues to be bright because of the dedicated faculty and the dedicated students and the athletic staff,” Tippett said.
